Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Getting Started
12907-010000-5000A
April 2003
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Contents
Part 1
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
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Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
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Using Images
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Part 2
Chapter 7
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Chapter 8
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Chapter 10
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Chapter 11
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Part 3
Analyzing Data.
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
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Understanding Queries . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finding Objects Based on Location . . . . . .
Finding Objects Based on Properties . . . . .
Finding Objects Based on Internal Data . . . .
Finding Objects Based on External SQL Data . . .
Creating a SQL Condition. . . . . . . . .
Combining SQL Conditions with Other Conditions
Typing a SQL Condition . . . . . . . . .
Combining Criteria to Create Compound Queries .
Understanding Indexing . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking a Drawing for Indexes. . . . . . .
Creating Indexes . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing Indexes . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Executing Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Preview Mode . . . . . . . . . .
Using Draw Mode . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Report Mode . . . . . . . . . . .
Executing Queries with SQL Conditions . . . .
Altering the Properties of Queried Objects . . . . .
Saving Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Saved Queries . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Part 4
Chapter 16
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Plotting Maps.
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Chapter 17
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Contents
In this chapter
2004
Autodesk Map: the GIS for
AutoCAD
Whats next
Chapter
If you are upgrading from Autodesk Map 6, 5, 2000i (Release 4.5), or 2000
(Release 4), you can open your drawings directly in Autodesk Map 2004. All
data and formatting created in these previous versions of Autodesk Map are
fully supported in Autodesk Map 2004. The only exception is the Oracle Spatial schema, which has been updated in Autodesk Map 2004. Autodesk Map
2004 cannot read schemas from previous versions nor can it automatically
upgrade a schema from a previous version.
Developers who have created applications using a previous version of the
Autodesk Map Application Programming Interface (API) should consider
updating their applications for Autodesk Map 2004.
For more information, see Sharing Files With Different Versions of Autodesk
Map on page 49.
Migration Assistance
Autodesk Map Migration Assistance helps you when upgrading to a new
release of Autodesk Map. You can download the Migration Assistance tools
from the Autodesk website in several languages. Available tools include
Note Because these are public tools, product support for them is limited to the
Autodesk discussion groups.
Chapter
With Autodesk Map, you can also link map features with text data from a
database and store the data in the drawing file as object data or in an external
database. To find more information, you can also define queries based on
topology, as well as on object data or external database records.
Map
menu
Project
Workspace
Mapping
toolbars
The Project Workspace displays all the data you need to work with: attached
source drawings, queries, databases, and topologies, as well as the links you
have set up between objects in the attached drawings and records in the
attached external databases.
The following sections explain basic Autodesk Map concepts and terms and
refer you to other chapters in this book for further information.
Queries
Feature classes
Database tables
Topologies
Link templates
Each time you open a project drawing, the linked set of source drawings and
data sets for that project is available and ready for use, as shown above.
Drawing Sets
A drawing set contains the source drawings you use in a project. Drawing sets
can consist of sets of tiled drawings or stacked drawings and can be any combination of these sets. See chapter 1, Setting Up a Project.
Chapter
Creating Maps
Using Autodesk Map, you can create digital maps by digitizing existing paper
maps or by importing data. You can add graphic and data information to
objects as you convert existing data into digital form. See Chapter 7, Digitizing Maps, and Chapter 9, Importing and Exporting Maps.
Use the boundary clipping and map-edge cutting tools to create clean
breaks between objects, and precisely align edges between map sheets.
Select a map area for an enlarged inset, or cut out a space in the map for
annotations.
Isolate sets of features from large data sets, edit this subset of data, and
save the data back to the original source drawings.
Project drawing
Source drawings
Chapter
Perform spatial queries or queries based on data associated with geographical features in order to analyze the information
Save queries with your project or save them to an external file for use with
several projects
Create thematic maps altering the color, linetype, and text to show relationships graphically with internal object data or external SQL data
You can scale, rotate, and clip them, and once imported, use raster edges as
a trim cutting edge. See Chapter 6, Using Images.
Easily produce map books and use the plot boundary buffer feature to
include the edges of adjacent map sheets by specifying a distance beyond
the edge of your chosen map sheet
Create a template for the map title, legend, description, and specific display parameters you want to appear on each map in the series
Whats Next
Those of you new to Autodesk Map may want to work through the online
Tutorials. To open the tutorials, choose Tutorials from the Help menu.
These tutorials show you how to use Autodesk Map to complete many of the
tasks you need to know in order to create, maintain, and analyze maps.
Note We recommend that you copy and save the tutorial drawings, located in
the MapTut folder, in a backup folder. Then, if you want to repeat any of the tutorials, you will have the original drawings available.
10
Chapter
In addition, new and experienced users can access the following additional
Autodesk Map and AutoCAD information from the Help menu:
Autodesk Map Help TopicsOnline help for Autodesk Map features, procedures, and commands.
Whats New in Autodesk MapNew features for Autodesk Map 2004.
Online ResourcesLinks to web sites for product support, training, customization, and the Autodesk User Group International.
AutoCAD Developer HelpInformation for developers.
AutoCAD New Features WorkshopDescribes new features in AutoCAD.
Whats Next
11
12
Part 1
Working with Projects
Chapter 1
Setting up a Project
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Using Images
13
14
Setting Up a Project
In this chapter
15
Open an existing fileOn the File menu, click Open. In the Select File
dialog box, navigate to the desired file.
Create a new fileOn the File menu, click New. You can start a new
drawing from scratch, select a template, or use a wizard.
A Streets project, including all the street maps of the town and a database
of traffic flow information.
A Quadrant project, including the street map, sewer map, and electrical
map for a specific quadrant of the town. In addition, the town manager
could attach documents and videos that give additional information
about the sewers and the wiring.
A Schools project, including the street maps, the school zone map, and a
database of bus route information.
Before you begin, think about the drawings you have and how you want to
organize them. Remember that a drawing can be included in more than one
project. If you have database information, decide which information to
include with the project. Decide if you want to attach any external docu-
16
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
ments, graphics, or videos. For more information about the type of items that
you can store with a project, see Using Your Projects, on page 32.
17
You can attach files from many directories. When youve added all the files you want,
click OK to attach them to the project.
18
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
Everyone in your organization should assign the same alias to this location. This lets
Autodesk Map easily find files when you share projects.
19
Nested Drawings
You can nest projects. For example, suppose you create a Sewer Systems drawing and attach all the sewer drawings. Then you create a Water Systems drawing and attach all the water drawings. You could then create a City Services
drawing and attach both the Sewer Systems drawing and the Water Systems
drawing, and all the water and sewer drawings would automatically be
attached as nested drawings.
Water1.dwg
Water2.dwg
Water3.dwg
Water4.dwg
WaterSystems.dwg
Sewer1.dwg
Sewer2.dwg
CityServices.dwg
Sewer3.dwg
Sewer4.dwg
SewerSystems.dwg
Any drawing can be a project drawing and any drawing can be a source drawing. The
currently open drawing is the current project; any drawings attached to that drawing
are source drawings. If the source drawings have drawings attached, those nested
drawings are also part of the current project.
Autodesk Map assigns the nested drawings the same status as the top level
drawing. You can deactivate a nested drawing if the top level drawing is
active. However, you cannot see or activate a nested drawing if the top level
drawing is not active.
20
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
After you attach a drawing, you can specify where it should appear in the
project drawing, whether it needs to be scaled, and whether it needs to be
rotated.
If you attach drawings that represent the quadrants of a city, you may
need to adjust the offset of the drawings so each drawing appears in its
appropriate location.
If you attach two drawings that are drawn to different scales, you need to
scale one of the drawings to match the other.
If you attach two drawings that use a different orientation, you need to
rotate one of the drawings to match the orientation of the other.
You can also specify a drawing description that makes the drawing easier to
identify in lists and set the save back extents for the drawing.
These settings are stored only in the project. They do not modify the actual
source drawing.
When you save changes back to source drawings, Autodesk Map restores the
transformed objects to their original rotation, scale, and offset.
Note If you have set coordinate systems in your source drawings and in your
project drawing, you do not need to use the transformation settings. Autodesk
Map will automatically adjust all the source drawings when it displays them in
the project and show objects at their proper coordinates.
21
In your projects, you want all the source drawings to display seamlessly
together. After you attach each drawing to the project, you specify how you
want that drawing to display in the project.
Project Drawing
Street Map
City Map
In this example, both the City Map and the Street Map are drawn to the same
scale as the project map and use the same point of origin, so neither of these
maps needs to be adjusted when attached to the project. However, the map
of Subdivision A is drawn to a much larger scale, so you must reduce its scale
and modify its offset so it displays correctly in the project. These modifications are stored with the project; they do not affect the Subdivision A drawing itself.
22
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
Subdivision A
23
When you add an object to a drawing, the drawing extents may expand and
intrude on boundaries of adjacent drawings. By specifying save back extents
you preserve a drawings boundaries relative to other drawings. While the
actual drawing extents might expand, the save back extents remain
unchanged.
If you dont specify save back extents, Autodesk Map uses the source drawing
extents as the save back extents.
The following illustration shows how the original drawing extents can
expand as you add objects. The dotted line represents the actual drawing
extents.
New object
Expanded drawing
extents after adding
objects
After setting the save back extents, you can view the boundary rectangle. You
can also reset save back extents to the original extents of the source drawing.
If you set save back extents and also use the offset transformation option,
Autodesk Map offsets the save back extents the same amount.
24
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
You can store information in a database, such as Oracle or dBASE and associate data with objects in your drawing.
For each database that you use, you use an information file called a UDL file
to tell Autodesk Map where to find information about that database. In addition, you create a link template that specifies how to link data from that database to the objects in your drawing.
When you set up a project, you need to specify which databases youll use.
Autodesk Map will automatically connect to these databases when you open
the project. Make a list of the databases that you use in the source drawings
for this project, and attach the same databases to the project.
To attach a database to a project, view your files using Explorer or My Computer, and drag the database onto the Project Workspace. For most database
types, Autodesk Map will automatically create the UDL file.
You can view your data from inside Autodesk Map using the Data View.
The project should also include any link templates that you use in the source
drawings attached to this project. If you use only a few link templates, you
can easily recreate them in the project. If you use a large number of link templates, you can copy them from the source drawing and paste them into the
project.
For information on attaching a database to your project and linking records
to objects, see Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External Databases.
25
Queries
Feature classes
Database tables
Topologies
Link templates
Any drawings youve attached to the project are listed in the Project Workspace.
Whenever you open this project, these drawings are automatically attached.
26
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
You can quickly view all the objects in one or more attached source drawings
by using Quick View.
27
28
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
You can view all objects in a specific area of the drawing or all objects that
share a specific property, such as color or elevation, by using a preview query.
Run the query in Preview mode to view any objects in the source drawing that are
within the specified location. A Preview mode query does not copy the objects into
the project drawing, it just displays them onscreen. If you want to copy the objects
into the project drawing, run the query in Draw mode.
Before you execute a query, you need to adjust the view of the project to
match the extents of the source drawing. If you dont adjust the project
extents, some or all objects may not be visible after you execute a query.
Use the Zoom Projects Extents command to zoom the project drawing to the
extents of the selected source drawings. The drawing coordinates in the
lower-left corner of the screen reflect the new extents of the project.
29
The Key View feature lets you quickly view different layers in the active
source drawings depending on the zoom magnification. When you set up
Key View, you specify which layers to display at a given zoom magnification.
Like Quick View and querying in Preview mode, the Key View feature displays the contents of active source drawings. However, using Key View you
can display only the layers you want to see at particular zoom magnifications. Zoom in and more layers display; zoom out and fewer layers display.
For example, in a set of maps, you can zoom to the extents of the maps to see
only layers containing the major roads. When you zoom in more, you can
also see minor roads. When you zoom in even more, you see smaller streets
as well.
Key View provides an efficient way to view your drawings. Autodesk Map
doesnt waste time redrawing or regenerating objects that you cant see or
dont want to see. To use Key View, your drawings must be organized by layers. You must also know the width of the current viewport (drawing window)
at different zoom magnifications.
As you zoom out of and into your drawing, the width in drawing units of the
current viewport increases and decreases. For example, if you zoom out to the
extents of a map of a large urban area, the width of the drawing window
might be 40,000 units. If you zoom into the drawing to display a single building, the width of the drawing window might be 800 units. If you specified
several Key View width settings, the layers displayed will change as you zoom
out and exceed each width threshold.
Once you have set the zoom magnification, you can use the Pan option to
move around your drawing. Key View continues to display only the layers
you specified for that width setting and zoom magnification.
30
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
With Autodesk Map, you can associate external documents with objects in
your drawing and then click an object and view the associated documents.
For example, you can:
Click a link that represents a sewer tunnel to view a video of that tunnel.
You associate the document with the object by defining a document view
that tells Autodesk Map where to find the document and what application to
use to view the document. You can add as many document view definitions
as you need. If you have a variety of documents you want to associate with
an object, you need a separate document view definition for each document.
Associate a document with all
objects in the drawing.
Associate a document with a specific object in the drawing.
Associate a document with all
objects that share a property, such
as layer or color.
When you use the View Associated Documents command and select an object,
Autodesk Map displays all the document views associated with that object.
31
You can view and edit objects from multiple source drawings in a single
project.
You can create topologies from points (nodes), lines, and polygons in your
drawings, then analyze the topology. See Chapter 11, Creating Map
Topology and Chapter 15, Analyzing Map Topology.
You can create thematic maps that use color, linetype, hatch, text, etc. to
call out specific items. See Chapter 16, Thematic Map Design.
You can create customized maps that show only the objects you want. See
Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze Data.
32
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
If you work with other users who share files, Autodesk Map will lock the
drawings that you are working with so no other users can modify them. If the
other users are also using Autodesk Map, you can lock specific objects in the
drawing while the other users continue to work on the unlocked objects.
For more information on object locking, see Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving
Drawings.
Saving a Project
The project drawing file is a DWG file with additional project information,
including links to the set of source drawings you want to use, saved queries,
user options, links to external databases, and other settings. Autodesk Map
saves the project when you save the current drawing file.
When you save and close a project that contains queried objects, you lose the
association between the queried objects and the attached source drawings
and cannot save changes back to the source drawings. If you plan to work
with the queried objects later, save the query so that you can run it when you
are ready to edit the objects.
For more information on saving queries, see chapter 14, Using Queries to
Analyze Data.
Saving Changes
If you add changed and new objects to the save set, Autodesk Map prompts
you to save changes back to the source drawing files.
For more information on saving changes to source drawings, see Chapter 2,
Sharing and Saving Drawings.
Sharing Projects
Other users can share a project drawing with you but they must open the
project drawing file in read-only mode. They cannot change any of the
project settings. See Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving Drawings.
33
Understanding Projects
A project contains links to the set of source drawings you want to use, saved
queries, user options, links to external databases, and other settings. Working
in a project you can query, edit, and save changes to attached source drawings. When you start Autodesk Map, a new project file appears in the project
workspace.
You can also open more than one project at a time and switch between
projects.
When you set specific project options, opening a project drawing automatically activates the source drawings and connects the external databases.
A project can include the following elements:
Drawing sets
Saved queries
Drawing indexes
Library of feature classes (standard objects)
Global coordinate system setting
External databases or object data
Link templates
Topologies
Themes
Key View definition
User options
Symbol table information
When you open a project, all these items appear as you last saved them. Each
of these is described below.
Drawing Sets
Online Help Index
drawing set
When you work with Autodesk Map, you can work with several drawings at
the same time, attaching the drawings to the project. The group of drawings
attached to the project is called a drawing set.
The drawing set can include other project drawings that in turn attach drawings. These nested drawings become part of the drawing set for the current
project.
34
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
The following illustration shows how a drawing set can consist of a set of tiled
drawings or a set of stacked drawings that act like transparencies. Drawing
sets can also be any combination of stacked and tiled drawings.
Tiled source drawings
attached to the project
Project
For more information, see Adding Drawings to Your Project on page 18.
Saved Queries
Online Help Index
query library
If you want to use a query more than once, you can save it in the project
Query Library. There are two methods for saving queries: internal and external. Internal queries are stored in the project drawing and are only available
from within that project. External queries are stored independently and are
useful because you can share them with other users. You can edit externally
saved queries by editing the query files. For more information, see Chapter
14, Using Queries to Analyze Data.
Drawing Indexes
Online Help Index
indexes, creating for
drawings
Autodesk Map can execute most queries more quickly if you create indexes
for different types of queries, such as location, property, data, or SQL queries.
The program stores indexes in the drawing files. See Understanding Indexing on page 200.
Whenever you open a drawing that includes database links, Autodesk Map
automatically creates a database link index and keeps it in memory. This feature is especially useful when you edit your source drawings directly. See
Linking Database Records to Drawing Objects on page 182.
Understanding Projects
35
Feature Classes
You can create a library of standard objects, called feature classes. For each
feature class, you define what property settings the object should have, such
as layer, color, or lineweight; what data should be attached, such as object
data or links to an external database; and whether it should be part of a
topology.
Once you have created the library of feature classes, you attach the library to
a project. Using the library, you can easily add one of these features to your
project, and the new object automatically has the standard properties and
data. See Chapter 4, Using Feature Classification.
When working with maps in Autodesk Map, you can assign the appropriate
global coordinate system to each source drawing and then specify a global
coordinate system for the project drawing. Both the coordinate system code
and the coordinate system definition are saved in the drawing file. When you
query to retrieve objects, Autodesk Map automatically converts them from
the global coordinate system in the source drawing to the global coordinate
system in the project drawing. This operation is called coordinate transformation. When you save back to the source drawing, Autodesk Map restores the
objects to the original global coordinate system setting. See Chapter 5,
Using Coordinate Systems.
36
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
You can store attribute data associated with objects in object data tables,
which are stored in the drawing, and in external database tables. Using object
data, you can easily attach attribute information to objects. When you store
data in external databases you can carry out sophisticated queries, accessing
the databases from within Autodesk Map, and manage and report on the data
from the database application. The following table compares the two storage
methods.
Internal object data tables
Quicker retrieval
Retrieval is slower
Use object data tables for small amounts of data that you dont change much.
Use external databases for larger amounts of data, data that comes from an
independent source, data you want to share between projects, or data that
needs to persist even if the object is deleted.
You can also convert your existing object data to external database tables
with links to objects. See Converting Object Data to External Database
Tables on page 188.
Understanding Projects
37
The following illustration shows how you might use data to store ownership
information with objects. You could use a query to retrieve objects, for example, where the type is commercial or where the address in on Hastings.
4701
TYPE=COMMERCIAL
OWNER=ADELTSI, INC
ADDRESS=5240 HASTINGS
AREA=3000
TYPE=COMMERCIAL
OWNER=CALUS, INC
ADDRESS=4701 MANOR
AREA=4700
5270
5240
TYPE=RESIDENTIAL
OWNER=ARGELLO, T
ADDRESS=5270 HASTINGS
AREA=1500
5280
TYPE=RESIDENTIAL
OWNER=SMYTHE, R
ADDRESS=5280 HASTINGS
AREA=1000
Data can either be attached directly to each object using object data, or it can be
stored in an external database with specific records linked to specific object.
For information about creating object data and linking objects to external
databases, see Chapter 12, Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing, and
Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External Databases.
Link Templates
Online Help Index
link templates
A link template is an alias for the connection between the project and an
external database table. After creating a link to an external database table,
you can link objects in your drawing with rows in the table. When you save
the project drawing, the link template is saved with the drawing.
For more information, see Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External
Databases.
38
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
Data View
For more information, see Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External
Databases.
Topologies
Online Help Index
topology
With Autodesk Map, you can use topologies to perform spatial analysis,
including network tracing, shortest-path routing, polygon overlay, and polygon buffer generation. You can also determine conditions of adjacency (what
is next to what), containment (what is enclosed by what), and proximity
(how close something is to something else).
For more information, see Chapter 11, Creating Map Topology, and Chapter 15, Analyzing Map Topology.
Understanding Projects
39
Themes
Online Help Index
thematic maps
The Key View feature lets you quickly view different layers in the active
source drawings at different zoom magnifications. When you set up key view
definitions, you specify which layers to display at a given zoom magnification. If your drawings are organized in layers of varying detail, you can view
major features when you zoom drawing extents and view details when you
zoom in. You must organize drawings by layers to use Key View.
For more information, see Controlling Layer Display with Key View on
page 30.
User Options
Online Help Index
options, Autodesk Map
You can set a variety of options that control the way Autodesk Map operates.
Each project can have its own project options saved in the project drawing.
The local acadmap.ini file contains saved user and installation options. In
addition, a system administrator can set options for all Autodesk Map users
in the system. A binary file called acadmap.sys contains saved system-wide
options.
40
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
Understanding Projects
41
42
In this chapter
users
work on objects at the intersection of four tiled drawings, you can execute a location query that spans the
intersection and retrieve only the objects you need,
regardless of drawing boundaries.
You can edit queried objects, create new objects, and
then save your changes back to the source drawings. You
can also choose not to save your changes back to the
source drawings.
In addition, you can share files with people using other
applications and previous releases of Autodesk Map. For
information about sharing maps with people using
other applications, such as ESRI ArcView and MapInfo,
see Chapter 9, Importing and Exporting Maps on page
111.
43
If you intend to edit queried objects and then save them back to source drawings, you must specify the objects you want to save back to source drawings
by adding them to the save set. Then, when you save the project drawing,
Autodesk Map prompts you to save the objects in the save set back to their
source drawings. If you have not added modified objects to the save set, you
can save the modifications to the project drawing or to a new drawing, but
the changes are not saved back to the source drawings.
Define a query
Reviewing and working
with source drawings
without modifying them
44
Chapter 2
Note If you are sharing source drawings with other users, you need to add
the objects to the save set before you modify them. This locks the objects so
other users cant edit them at the same time as you.
For more information on locking objects, see Sharing Drawings with
Other Users on page 47.
4 Save the objects back to the source drawings. For information, see Saving
Your Changes on page 46.
You can either add objects to the save set automatically when you modify
them or manually select objects to add to the save set.
Any time you edit a queried object, Autodesk Map asks if you want to add
the object to the save set. If you intend to save the object back to the
source drawing and you want to lock the object, choose Yes. If you choose
No, any changes will not be saved back to source drawings.
When you create a new object, Autodesk Map does not prompt you to add
the object to the save set. If you want to save new objects to source drawings, you can manually add them to the save set or save them directly to
the source drawings.
After you add objects to the save set, you can view the objects currently in
the save set, and remove objects from the save set if you want.
45
When you finish editing, you can save your changes, additions, and deletions back to the source drawings. When you save the objects, you have a
number of options.
You can save the changes to the source drawings, to the project drawing,
or to both.
You can save modified objects, new objects, or both new and modified
objects.
When you save new objects to the source drawing, you must specify
which drawing to save them to. (Modified objects are saved back to their
original source drawing.)
You can set additional options related to the save back operation. For example, you can delete saved objects from the project after you save them.
Warning! If you are working with a source drawing from a previous release
and save back your changes, Autodesk Map updates the source drawing to the
current format. If you want to retain the source drawing as a previous release,
do not save back your changes.
You can use the SAVE, QUIT, NEW, and OPEN commands to end the current session and display the Save Objects To Source Drawings dialog box. The commands QUIT, NEW, and OPEN give you the opportunity to save changes or discard edits. If you choose to save your changes, the Save Objects To Source
Drawings dialog box appears. If you want to save your changes to the project
drawing only and not to the source drawings, cancel the Save Objects To
Source Drawings dialog box.
If you have enabled the automatic save option, you will be prompted to save
objects to the source drawings if there are objects in the save set. If you do
not save back when prompted, Autodesk Map creates an automatic save file
called autoX.sv$ for the project. The automatic save does not maintain the
association between the source drawings and the project.
Warning! Once you have saved changes back to the source drawings, you
cannot undo the operation. Therefore, you should make back up copies of the
source drawings before you begin working with them.
46
Chapter 2
If a drawing file is open, using File Open, you and other users can attach
the drawing to a project, but cannot activate that drawing.
If a drawing file is attached to a project and active, you and other users can
use File Open to open the file as read-only, but cannot insert or externally reference the drawing.
If a drawing file is attached to a project and not active, you and other users
can use File Open to open the drawing, or can activate the drawing
from a different project file.
47
The object locking feature lets multiple network users simultaneously retrieve,
edit, and save back different objects while working in the same source drawing. If object locking is not selected, only one user can have write access to
an active drawing.
If object locking is enabled, two network Autodesk Map users can edit different objects in the same drawing at the same time, but cannot edit the same
object at the same time.
users, setting up
Note You cannot disable object locking while drawings are active.
Note If you plan to modify an object, add the object to the save set before you
begin your modifications. This locks the object and prevents other users from
adding it to their own save sets.
If another user is in the process of retrieving objects or saving changes to
source drawings at exactly the same time you try to add objects to the save
set, Autodesk Map will notify you if it is unable either to add the objects to
the save set or save back, and presents three options:
48
RetryLets you wait until the drawing is free and retry the save back.
SkipLets you skip to the next drawing if you are processing objects from
more than one source drawing and you reach a drawing that is locked.
Chapter 2
Autodesk Map prevents you from editing locked objects in the following circumstances:
If you attempt to edit an object that was locked by another user, Autodesk
Map displays a message that the object has been locked when you try to
add the object to the save set.
You can use the Who Has It operation at any time to find out who locked an
object.
Note If the DWK file has been deleted, user names are no longer available.
When this happens, Autodesk Map displays user names and project names as
*UNKNOWN*.
If a system failure occurs while objects are locked, you must manually release
the object locks. However, only a superuser can remove locks set by other
users.
Note If a drawing is activated in another users project, you will not be able to
release locks in that drawing.
When you remove locks, the object is also removed from the save set. You
can restore the locks by adding the objects to the save set again.
49
opening, previous
Autodesk Map formats
You can open drawings created in Autodesk Map 6, 5, 2000i, and 2000
directly in Autodesk Map 2004. All data and formatting created in these previous versions of Autodesk Map are fully supported in Autodesk Map 2004,
except Oracle Spatial schemas. The Oracle Spatial schema has been updated
in Autodesk Map 2004, and Autodesk Map 2004 cannot read schemas from
previous versions nor can it automatically upgrade a schema from a previous
version.
You can save your Autodesk Map 2004 drawings to a previous drawing format. Use the Save As option on the File menu and choose the AutoCAD version you want:
To use your drawing with Autodesk Map 6, 5, 2000i (Release 4.5), or 2000
(Release 4), save your file as the AutoCAD 2000/LT 2000 Drawing type)
type.
Because there may be some data loss, it is recommended that you save the
file with a different file name so that you don't overwrite the current drawing.
If you use Autodesk Map 2004 to open a drawing created with a previous
release or create a new drawing, and you do not add any information specific to the current release, you can then save the drawing in the format
of the previous release without loss of data.
Updating Applications
Because Autodesk Map 2004 includes additional features and uses a new
drawing format, developers who have created applications in previous
releases of Autodesk Map should update their applications, and re-link and
recompile those applications. For detailed information about the changes to
the Autodesk Map 2004 application programming interface (API), refer to the
50
Chapter 2
online Autodesk Map API help files (AcMapAds.chm and AcMapAtm.chm) available in the Autodesk Map 2004\Help folder.
You can use DXF files created by other applications to bring information into
Autodesk Map. Autodesk Map objects imported from DXF files do not have
links to other objects. For example, a polygon that encloses a parcel ID is not
linked to the parcel ID in any way except visually.
You cannot use a DXF file as a project drawing or attach DXF files to project
drawings. You must first save them as drawing files.
You can create DXF files for use with previous versions of AutoCAD or with
the many other applications that support the DXF format. Simply use the
Save As option on the File menu and choose the AutoCAD DXF version you
want. For more information, see Work With Data In Other Formats in the
online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Note Topology information, links to external databases, and object data are
not maintained in the DXF files.
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52
In this chapter
administrator
users
53
How the schema organizes the data exported from Autodesk Map
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Chapter 3
Block Attributes
Drawing objects can be grouped together into blocks. Blocks can then be
reused elsewhere in the drawing or saved as files to be inserted into other
drawings. For example, in a map showing a citys water system, a block is
inserted on each piece of sewer pipe. The block consists of an arrow showing
the flow direction and three attributes showing the pipes diameter, material,
and length.
When you edit the map by inserting the block for a new run of pipe, you are
prompted to enter the attributes. After insertion, the attributes can be edited
in the Block Attribute Manager.
Attribute data
for block
55
Object Data
Object data is more powerful and flexible than block attributes because it can
be attached to any object in the drawing, not just to blocks. Object data
allows the user to create a simple database in the drawing that can be queried.
Object data is only available within Autodesk Map.
For example, in a city water system, the diameters of the water mains are
stored as object data for easy retrieval.
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Chapter 3
Database Tables
Large amounts of data or data that is also accessed by other applications is
usually stored in an external database. The records in the database are then
linked to the objects in the drawing. For example, a city keeps its land parcel
drawings as Autodesk Map drawings, and ownership and taxation records in
a separate database. The linked data can be viewed and edited from within
Autodesk Map.
57
Defining Features
Features are groups, or classes, of objects that you specify. By defining features, you can set up importing and exporting based on the layers that your
users already use.
Each object in the drawing is on one layer only, and can be included in only
one feature. Each feature is written to a separate table in the Oracle schema.
You can also specify the attribute data to be included in, or excluded from,
the Oracle tables.
It is a good idea to work out the hierarchy of features, layers, and attributes
before you start setting up the schema.
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Managing Locking
If you have superuser privileges in Autodesk Map, you can control whether
locking is enabled for a particular schema. Locking applies to the entire
schema, not to individual tables.
Locking is a way to manage concurrent access to data by two or more users.
It is essential in any situation where more than one user can access the data
at the same time. This ensures that users cannot destroy or corrupt other
users data. However, locking is optional. Users who have no need to lock
records can edit objects and update the database without enabling locking.
It is recommended that you decide whether to use locking for a particular
schema, let users know, and then not change it afterwards.
When locking is enabled, all objects in the EditSet are locked. Any objects
that users edit that were imported from the Oracle schema are automatically
added to the EditSet. In addition, users can manually add and remove objects
from the EditSet. The user can then update the database by running the
Update option of the Export command. For more information on the locking
commands available to users, see Using Edit Sets and Locking, on page 61.
59
you know where to find the objects you want to import. Leaving objects that
do not change, such as city boundaries or rivers, in the drawing can also help
you locate the objects you want to import.
SPATIAL
Export
Data is exported to the schema and erased from the drawing,
leaving the template drawing empty except for the grid.
Typically, you begin by exporting data from one drawing into the Oracle Spatial database. You then append data from other drawings to the same schema
by running the Export command from within those drawings.
Editing Drawings
When you need to edit a drawing, you import the objects you want from Oracle into Autodesk Map with a location-based query or with a query based on
a display property, such as a layer. You can also type or paste in SQL conditions. You can restrict the features included in a condition.
SPATIAL
Import
Selected data is queried into the template drawing
from the schema.
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Chapter 3
When you have made the changes, you can update the database, erasing the
changed objects from the drawing again.
SPATIAL
Update
Edited objects are written back to the schema and erased from the drawing,
leaving the template drawing empty except for the grid.
61
If you have drawings with different drawing standards for properties such
as layer names and definitions or linetypes. To avoid conflicts, make sure
that all the drawings in the same schema use the same drawing standards.
62
Make sure that your drawings all have the same definitions for layers,
blocks, object-data tables, and other symbol tables before you start exporting them to Oracle Spatial. If a drawing has definitions that are not the
same as those already in the schema, the conflicts will stop the export.
When you import data from the database, aim to import just the data you
need to work on. Use a location-based query in conjunction with a query
on display properties to limit the number of records retrieved.
Make sure that the drawing is properly cleaned up before you export it the
first time. This is much more efficient than importing data, cleaning it up,
and then saving it back to Oracle.
Chapter 3
In this chapter
Overview of feature
classification
Classifying objects
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When you select an object that was created using feature classification, the
properties that are associated with that feature class are displayed on the Feature Data tab of the Properties palette.
When you select a road in your drawing, the Feature Data tab shows all the properties
associated with the feature class Road. You can edit a value by clicking in the box and
selecting an item from the list.
Before you can use feature classification, you must set up the features that
you want to use. This task is generally done by the CAD manager.
Note To create feature definitions, you must have Alter Feature Class privileges.
In a large organization, these privileges are mostly granted to the CAD manager.
If you dont have a CAD manager, you can log in as Superuser, using the default
password SUPERUSER. To log in, use the MAPLOGIN command.
Planning
The first step in setting up feature classification is to determine the standard
objects you use in your organization. These standard objects are called features. For example, if your organization produces road maps, you may want
a set of standard road objects, such as Primary Road and Secondary Road.
65
Next, determine which set of properties and data you want each feature to
have. For example, you may want all primary roads to be created using a
polyline, have a thick lineweight, be on the Primary Roads layer, and have
object data associated with them that lists values for speed limit and number
of lanes. Then, you want secondary roads to go on the Secondary Roads layer,
have a thin lineweight, and include information on surface type.
The feature definition file contains information about all of the feature
classes you define. For each feature class, the definition contains information
about the properties of the feature and the way the feature should be created.
As a general rule, you want to use the same feature definition file across all
your drawings. This ensures that you have the same feature definitions for all
drawings attached to a project.
If your organization uses a set of drawing templates, attach the feature definition file to the template.
The path to the feature definition file is stored in the drawing. If you work in
a network environment, you should store the feature definition file on the
network in a directory where all the people in your organization have access
to it. In addition, if you use custom icons for the feature classes, you should
store these in the same place as the feature definition file.
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Once you have attached the feature definition file and created the sample
objects, you are ready to define the feature classes.
For each feature class you define, you specify the following:
When you classify existing objects in your drawing, which object types
can be tagged with this feature class.
When you create a new object, which object type will be used to create the
feature, for example, polyline or circle.
For each property that you include, what is the allowable range of values.
What icon is associated with the feature class. This icon appears in the
Project Workspace and the Expression dialog box.
Selecting Properties
When you define a feature class, you select the properties that you want to
include in the feature class definition. For each of these properties, you specify a set of values that will be allowed for objects in this feature class. For
example, if you include color as one of the properties, you can specify a set
of allowable colors, and all objects tagged with this feature class must have
one of these colors.
When a user selects an object that is tagged with this feature class and views
the Properties palette, the Feature Data tab displays just the properties
included in the feature class. When they edit values for those properties, they
will be able to enter only values that fall within the range you specified.
67
For each property that you include in the feature definition, you specify a
range and a default.
The range represents the range of allowable values. When someone in your
organization creates a new object using this feature class, classifies an existing object with this feature class, or edits the properties of an object created
with this feature class, they must use values that are within this range.
For example, if you include an object data field for Speed Limit as part of the
feature definition, you might specify a range of 15-55 (entered as [15,55]).
These will be the only allowable values for this feature. You can specify a single allowable value, a list of values, or a range of values.
The default value is used when the existing value for an object does not fall
within the allowable range. For the default value, specify a single value that
falls within the range.
If someone classifies an object whose current value is not within the allowable range, the value is reset to the default. For example, if you include Speed
Limit as one of the properties of a feature class called Road, and assign a range
of 15-55 and a default of 35, then all objects classified as Road must have a
speed limit that falls within this range. If someone classifies an existing
polyline as a Road, but the polyline currently has speed limit of 65, the speed
limit is reset to 35.
When someone uses feature classification to create a new feature, the object
initially uses the current system settings for all properties. If any of these system setting do not fall within the allowable range for the feature class, the
property is automatically reset to the feature class default. For example, if the
current drawing lineweight is .40, when someone creates a Road, it initially
uses the lineweight .40. If this lineweight does not fall within the range specified for the Road feature class, the lineweight for the Road object is automatically changed to the default.
If you do not specify a range of allowable values, new features are created
with the system settings for the property, and the default is not used.
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You can modify a feature class definition by adding new properties or by editing ranges or defaults.
To modify a feature class, you must select an object in the drawing tagged
with the feature class you wish to modify.
Classifying Objects
Once you have defined the feature classes for your organization, you can
easily create new objects that automatically meet the standards set for the
feature class. For example, if you create an object by using the Road feature
class, youll create a polyline that is automatically on the correct layer, has
the correct color and lineweight, and has the appropriate object data
attached.
A classified object is called a feature. You can create a classified object by using
feature classification to create the object, or you can classify an existing
object.
When an object is classified, Autodesk Map checks the definition of the
feature class. Any properties that are included in the feature class definition
are automatically set to allowable values. In addition, if the feature class definition specifies that data should be associated with the object, the data is
automatically attached or linked to the object.
Note Creating new features and assigning feature classes to existing objects
does not require any special privileges.
Classifying Objects
69
The feature definition file contains all the information about each feature
class: how to create it, what properties to include, and the allowable values
for each property. You or your CAD manager will have created this file. To use
feature classification in a drawing, the drawing must have the feature definition file attached. If you are unsure of the location of your feature definition
file, check with your CAD manager.
You can classify existing objects in your drawing. When you do, their properties are automatically reset to allowable values, and any data specified in
the feature class definition is added to the object.
If you classify an existing polyline as a Road, Autodesk Map automatically
moves it to the Roads layer, changes its color and lineweight to allowable values, and attaches object data with information about speed limit and surface
type.
When you classify objects, you can specify not to classify any objects that
dont already meet the feature class standards. These objects will be filtered
out of the classification.
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You can easily edit the values for properties that are included in the feature
class definition. The Feature Data tab of the Properties palette lists only these
properties. When you edit the data on this tab, you are allowed to enter only
values that meet the standards set for this feature class. For example, when
you use the Feature Data tab to edit the lineweight of a Road feature, you can
enter only lineweight values that have been specified in the feature class definition. If you enter a value that is not within this range, the value is automatically reset to the default value.
You can use the other tabs on the Property window to edit any of an objects
properties. However, these tabs do not check that you are entering an allowable value. To reset values that you have entered elsewhere, open the Feature
Data tab and select the objects youve modified. When the Feature Data tab
is open, Autodesk Map checks all the properties included in the feature class
definition. If any values are out of range, they are reset to the default value.
You can easily select all the objects in a particular feature class. You can also
select objects based on the specific setting of a feature class property.
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Chapter 4
In this chapter
plane. Each coordinate system uses a different mathematical model to calculate this representation. With
Autodesk Map, you can combine maps created with
Understanding coordinate
systems
Global coordinate systems in
Autodesk Map
73
You can digitize a map based on its latitude and longitude coordinates,
however you must apply a global coordinate system to give an accurate
representation of an area. See Global Coordinate Systems in Autodesk
Map on page 77 for information about selecting a suitable system.
True direction
True distance
True area
True shape
For example, only the Mercator projection represents the true direction of
straight lines, yet it greatly distorts distances and areas near the poles.
No one projection is best overall. Projections that preserve area are called
equivalent, or equal-area, projections. Others, called conformal projections,
maintain local angles. However, the farther one gets from predefined standard lines on the map, the more equal-area projections distort the shape of
the objects and the more conformal projections distort the area.
On an equidistant map, distances are true only along lines radiating from the
center of the projection. Area sizes on conformal maps are distorted although
shapes are true; equal-area maps distort shapes. The extent and kinds of distortion also vary according to the projection used.
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Tall area
Wide area
75
The map scale for a given projection determines the usefulness of a map. For
example, a Mercator projection of North America shows great distortion at
small scales but is ideal for a small area such as a 1:24,000 scale county map.
Coordinate Transformation
When you retrieve objects from source drawings, Autodesk Map automatically converts them to the global coordinate system of the project drawing.
This operation is called coordinate transformation. When you save objects back
to source drawings, Autodesk Map reverses the conversion.
Coordinate transformation allows the manipulation of the coordinate geometry using various mathematical projections, adjustments, transformations,
and conversions. By making adjustments for size, scale, rotation, and elevation, you can modify how Autodesk Map performs coordinate transformations.
After you bring objects into the project, if you plan to save changes back to
source drawings, do not change the coordinate transformation options. The
save-back process uses the original settings to determine whether adjust-
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Chapter 5
ments are necessary to restore objects to the correct coordinate system when
you save them back to source drawings.
Note The Autodesk Map simple transformation options, available in the Drawing Settings dialog box, cannot be used with coordinate transformations. If you
assign a global coordinate system code to a map drawing, the simple transformation options are not available.
All geographic data is created in some coordinate system, and in the context
of some datum. A datum refers both to the ellipsoid information and the
techniques used to determine positions on the Earths surface. Some coordinate systems only specify the ellipsoid; these are non-geodetic. Coordinate
systems that specify the complete datum are geodetic.
Before you assign coordinate systems to project or source drawings, you
should know what type of coordinate systems you are using, what datums
they use, and what kind of conversions you will be performing. You need to
know which conversion option you are using and what the results of the
option will be.
Most of the coordinate systems supplied with Autodesk Map are geodetic, but
about ten percent are non-geodetic. Therefore, you should determine
whether the coordinate systems you use are geodetic or non-geodetic before
you assign a global coordinate system to a project drawing. Extra care should
be taken when using non-geodetic coordinate systems. If you have data in a
drawing that uses a non-geodetic coordinate system, but don't know what
datum the data came from, you might introduce errors if you convert the
drawing to a geodetic coordinate system.
77
Use the same global coordinate system as other staff in your organization.
Use the same coordinate system as your most common data source.
Choose the global coordinate system used by people who share data with
you.
If the area is small, use the same global coordinate system as your local city
or county government. If the area is large, use the same system as the
state, regional, provincial, or national mapping group.
Ask surveyors, cartographers, consultants, and other mapping professionals for suggestions.
If you are working with data that uses a variety of projections and origins,
you need to set a default global coordinate system for the project drawing.
Once you have assigned a global coordinate system, that coordinate system
is used when you work with that drawing. This default should be changed
only after thorough consideration and should apply to all project drawings.
A code identifies the global coordinate system used for source drawings and
project drawings. For example, if you created a map using Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 27, US Survey Feet, you assign the code UTM-27F to the
map. The global coordinate system code and definition are stored in the
drawing file. This allows you to share the drawing with anyone using
AutoCAD Map2000i Release 4.5 or later and be sure that they are using the
correct coordinate system when working with the drawing.
If the current project drawing uses a different global coordinate system from
that of the source drawing, Autodesk Map converts retrieved objects from the
source drawings global coordinate system to the project drawings global
coordinate system. You must first provide Autodesk Map with the global
coordinate system of the source drawing.
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Chapter 5
You can assign a global coordinate system to the current project drawing and
to attached source drawings only if no objects have been queried from the
source drawings.
When the coordinate system you choose is assigned to the selected attached
drawings, a backup file, with a .bak extension, is made of each source drawing
without assigning the global coordinate system information.
Autodesk Map mapping and query options are ineffective if different projections and coordinate systems are used for a series of maps and data is combined for the different maps. You can set options to ensure that parts of a
map are not adjusted when you use a global coordinate system.
Using the Autodesk Map global coordinate systems requires many complex
calculations and can decrease performance for operations such as querying
and saving back objects.
If an active drawing has an assigned global coordinate system, you can view
its code in the Drawing Settings dialog box.
Spans one or more countries or states that use different coordinate systems.
Does not match the alignment of the state plane or national standard
coordinate system. For example, you might be mapping an area with a
greater east-west extent in an area that uses a Transverse Mercator
(designed for greater north-south extents) projection.
For small (less than a square kilometer) projects that will not be integrated
with other maps, a random, assumed coordinate system is sufficient; and the
effects of the curvature of the Earth can be ignored. Digitizing maps for small
projects from state or national maps that use their own coordinate systems,
or base meridian, should not cause problems.
The available coordinate systems are stored in the coordsys.csd file. You cannot edit this file directly. Instead, you must use the Autodesk Map coordinate
system functions to remove custom systems that you do not require or to
rearrange the way that the categories and systems appear in the Define Global Coordinate System and Assign Global Coordinate System dialog boxes.
79
When you define a global coordinate system you must specify the following
parameters:
You can create a completely new coordinate system based on your own data
or use a predefined coordinate system as a basis for creating your own. You
can also modify or delete any coordinate systems that you define. You cannot
delete any of the predefined global coordinate systems supplied with
Autodesk Map.
Note Autodesk Map 2004 installs updated versions of the files that store the
coordinate system definitions. The updated files include a number of new coordinate systems and are installed in a shared location, typically c:\Program
Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\GIS\Coordsys\11a. During installation,
Autodesk Map 2004 uses the Coordinate System Update Utility, CSUPDATE.EXE,
to automatically update the newly installed files, incorporating any custom coordinate systems you defined in a previous release of Autodesk Map. Do not copy
the coordinate system files from previous releases of Autodesk Map directly into
the Autodesk shared coordinate system folder. For details on using the CSUPDATE utility manually, refer to the csupdate.hlp file, located in the Help folder of
the Autodesk Map 2004 install directory.
When defining a custom coordinate system, you may want to enter a False
Origin, with Northing and Easting values. For example, if you use the Transverse Mercator projection and the central meridian bisects the mapping
region, half of the X coordinates are negative values. Coordinate system definitions usually include a false origin that is added to all coordinates to make
them positive. The X coordinate of this offset is called the False Origin Easting. The Y coordinate of this offset is called the False Origin Northing.
Note You must annotate all maps with the coordinate system and related
parameters, including the datum and ellipsoid, of a digitized map. This information is required for accurate calculations with global coordinate systems.
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You can define new datum definitions based on your own data or use a predefined datum definition as a basis for creating your own. You can also modify or delete any datum definitions that you define. You cannot delete predefined datum definitions supplied with Autodesk Map.
If you modify or delete a datum that you have defined, you must also modify
or delete any coordinate systems that reference that datum.
When defining a custom datum, you choose the conversion technique you
want to use, either Molodensky, Bursa/Wolfe, or Seven Parameter Transformation. After choosing the conversion technique, you must specify the
appropriate conversion parameters for the technique you chose.
You can define new ellipsoid definitions based on your own data or use a predefined ellipsoid definition as a basis for creating your own. You can also
modify or delete any ellipsoid definitions that you define. You cannot delete
predefined ellipsoid definitions supplied with Autodesk Map.
If you modify or delete an ellipsoid that you have defined, you must also
modify or delete any coordinate systems that reference that ellipsoid.
81
When defining a custom ellipsoid, you must specify the calculation method
and values used to determine the dimensions of the ellipsoid. After choosing
the calculation method, you supply two of the required values, and Autodesk
Map determines the remaining two values for you.
Tracking Coordinates
As you move the cursor around in a drawing window, you can display the
cursor location in the coordinate system you specify. For example, if your
source drawings use one coordinate system and your project drawing uses
another, you can track the source drawings coordinates as you move the cursor around in the project drawing.
You can digitize new points in existing maps with precision by using the
Track Coordinates feature to specify the exact coordinates of the points.
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Chapter 5
Using Images
In this chapter
drawings for a number of reasons: to add scanned documents, faxes, or microfilm drawings; to use aerial and
order
Selecting images
grams.
83
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Chapter 6
Using Images
With a satellite image inserted in the same map you get a realistic view of
conditions on the ground.
85
When you insert an image in a drawing, Autodesk Map links the image to the
drawing file through a path name or a data-management document ID.
When you update a linked image, the updates appear in the drawing. You can
modify the path to a linked image or remove the link at any time. Because
the image itself is not included in the drawingonly the link to the image is
includedthe image does not increase the drawing size.
Once youve inserted an image, you can reinsert it multiple times treating it
as if it were a block. Each insertion has its own clip boundary and its own settings for brightness, contrast, fade, and transparency. A single image can be
cut into multiple pieces that can be rearranged in your drawing.
Note If you are inserting large images or multiple images at once, you can set
Raster Extension memory options.
Correlation source
Insertion Point georeferencing correlation information
Rotation
Scale
Density
Units for insertion point and density
Color
If you modify the correlation settings, Autodesk Map saves the changes with
the Autodesk Map drawing. The changes are not saved back to the original
image file or to the correlation source file.
Note To modify the settings stored in the image file, you must use an imageediting application such as Autodesk Raster Design. If you do modify the original
settings in the image, those changes will not be reflected in the Autodesk Map
drawing unless you reinsert the image.
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Using Images
You can increase redrawing speed by hiding or unloading images that you do
not need in the current drawing session. Hidden images are not displayed or
plotted; only the drawing boundary is displayed. You can choose to hide an
image regardless of the current viewport coordinate system. If you no longer
need the image in the drawing, you can erase a single instance of the image
or erase all instances of the image and unload the image information.
Aside from locking the image file, none of these actions modify the original
image file itself.
Hiding Images
When you hide an image, the image does not display onscreen, nor does it
plot. Only the image boundary displays onscreen. However, the image is still
loaded in memory, and the image file is still locked on the disk. It cannot be
deleted or modified. Hiding images is a convenient way to speed regeneration time. You can easily redisplay the image when you are ready to plot.
Unloading Images
When you unload an image, you remove the image from memory. It does not
display onscreen, nor does it plot, and it is no longer locked on the disk. Only
the image boundary displays onscreen. Information about the image, such as
its path and scale, remains in the drawing. Before you can plot the image, you
must reload it into memory. Unloading images improves performance.
Detaching Images
When you detach an image, all instances of the image are removed from the
drawing, the image information is deleted, and the image file is unlocked.
Detach images that you no longer need in the drawing.
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Erasing Images
When you erase an image, that instance of the image is erased from the drawing. Erasing an image does not delete the image information. You can set an
option so that when the last instance of an image is erased from the drawing,
Autodesk Map automatically detaches the image and deletes the image information from the drawing.
When you insert raster images, the images display in the order in which you
insert them. You can manually change the display order of your images if you
want one image to be displayed on top of another image.
You can change the display order in two ways:
88
You can view information about any image in your drawing in the following
ways:
Use the Image Management dialog box to view information about the
number of instances of an image in the drawing, the draw order of images,
and other image information.
Use the Image Manager dialog box to view information about whether an
image is currently loaded, to list images attached to xrefs, and to modify
the path to an image.
Use the Image Information dialog box to view information about the file,
the image itself, and its properties and correlation information.
Chapter 6
Using Images
When you insert an image, Autodesk Map stores the file path of the image in
the drawing file. When you open a drawing, Autodesk Map searches this
stored location for the file. If Autodesk Map cannot find the image because
it has been moved or deleted, Autodesk Map searches the Project Files Search
Path.
You can change the image location that is stored in the drawing, or you can
specify a Project Files Search Path.
Naming Images
Online Help Index
raster images, renaming
Image names are not necessarily the same as image file names. When you
attach an image to a drawing, Autodesk Map uses the file name without the
file extension as the image name. You can change the image name without
affecting the name of the file.
Selecting Images
Online Help Index
Note If this option is not working, check that you have the setting turned on
in the Raster Extension Options dialog box and that you have loaded Raster
Extension by using any Map Image command.
If you have inserted multiple images, selecting in an area where the images
overlap produces the Image Select dialog box.
89
You can use the Properties palette to modify image properties such as the following:
When you attach an image to a drawing, the image frame inherits the current
color, layer, linetype, and linetype scale.
When you adjust image brightness, contrast, and fade in Autodesk Map, the
changes you make affect the display of the image as well as the plotted output, but do not affect the original raster image file. Adjust brightness to
darken or lighten an image. Adjust contrast to make poor-quality images easier to read. Adjust fade to make vectors easier to see over images or to create
a watermark effect in your plotted output.
Note You can change the location of the image manually by using the Grips
mode.
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Using Images
As with any Autodesk Map drawing object, you can change the image properties of rotation, width, height, and scale.
You can make all pixels that are a specific color in a grayscale or color image
transparent. (The transparency color of a bitonal image is always the background color of the image.) This is useful if you want to overlay two images
or place an image in front of objects.
Note The transparency color is stored in the drawing as an Autodesk Map custom object. If you send the drawing to other users, they can see the transparency
color only by opening the drawing in Autodesk Map or Autodesk Raster Design.
If they open the drawing in AutoCAD, they see a message that AutoCAD cannot
reference the custom object and will not display the transparent color.
Note The foreground of bitonal images and bitonal image frames is always the
same color.
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Clipping Images
Online Help Index
raster images, clipping
By clipping an image, you can display and plot only a portion of the image.
The clipping boundary can be a rectangle or a two-dimensional polygon with
vertices constrained to lie within the boundaries of the image. Multiple
instances of the same image can have different clipping boundaries.
A clip boundary is a display-only feature that you can use for viewing and
plotting purposes. It does not permanently change image data. When you
delete a clipping boundary, the original image boundary is restored.
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Chapter 6
Using Images
Part 2
Creating and Adding Data
Chapter 7
Digitizing Maps
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
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94
Digitizing Maps
In this chapter
Map
digital DWG file, simplify and speed the digitizing process, and add object data and links to external databases
Planning
After digitizing
95
Import data from another mapping or GIS program in one of the external
file formats translations supported by Autodesk Map. See Chapter 9,
Importing and Exporting Maps.
Purchase map data from a variety of public and private sources. In this
case, the data may be ready for immediate use or require preparation and
editing.
Digital Data
Autodesk Map stores data in a drawing (DWG) file. Vector data is stored as
X,Y,Z coordinates that form points, lines, areas, and volumes. Vector data is
used to store three types of discrete, well-defined data: geographic data about
shapes and positions of map features, such as points, lines, and arcs; attribute
data, which provides textual information about features and is stored in a
drawing or a linked external database; and display data, which controls the
way features appear.
Digitizing Overview
Digitizing is the process of converting paper-based graphical information into
a digital format. The most common way to input existing maps into
Autodesk Map is to use a digitizer. The digitizer is configured so that a movement on the digitizing tablet can be recorded directly into an existing drawing
file as you digitize or trace the map.
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Digitizing Maps
Planning
Before you begin to digitize a paper map, creating a base or project map for
a mapping system or GIS, you need to be certain the source map is suitable,
and you need to plan how you want the base map to function. Generally
speaking, when digitizing, the simplest approach works best. You should
consider these points:
Map Suitability
You need to use the right source map because errors in the source map will
be reflected in your digital map. For example, maps showing land use and
land cover may not be geographically accurate, but may be accurate in terms
of the relative proportions of land use and coverage shown; or maps showing
human and cultural features often show great change in short periods while
natural features usually show little change.
When selecting a map to digitize, try to obtain a copy that is as close to the
original manuscript as possible. Some copying methods (such as blueprinting
and photocopying) can produce significant distortion. Also, some types of
media are more susceptible to shrinkage and expansion from humidity
changes than others. Mylar tends to remain dimensionally stable over time.
Your source map should be:
Known to be reliable
Accurate, absolutely or relatively, to the extent you require for your
project
Up to date
Complete
The correct type
The same scale as any other source maps you are using
If any of these conditions is not met, the suitability of the map for a project
might be compromised, and any digitized data might introduce inaccuracies
into a map set.
Planning
97
Layer Organization
You need to plan the layers you will use in your project. A layer is a logical
grouping of data, which simplifies organizing and viewing data. Layers are
like transparent overlays on which you organize and group different kinds of
mapping information.
You create objects on layers, and each layer has an associated linetype and
color. Assigning different colors to layers emphasizes the contrasts between
different types of objects. Refer to Using Layers and Object Properties in
the online AutoCADUsers Guide.
Each object that represents a different type of map feature should go on a
separate layer. For example, a polyline representing a coastline could go on a
layer named COASTLINE, interstate highways on a layer named INTERSTATE,
land boundaries on a layer named LOTS, and so on. Always use industry standard or established department conventions for naming layers. Consistency
is essential. A query on a layer named TOWN finds all objects on that layer
even if some objects are utilities, some are city limits, and some contain
population details.
If you have not established a scheme for layer names, you can create one
using the numeric feature-classification code found in some digital source
data. For example, major roads might be on a layer named 170-201. A better
naming convention combines names that suggest their function and a structure that allows selection with wild cards and groups of layer names. For
example, you might decide that all topographic features should go on layers
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Chapter 7
Digitizing Maps
beginning with the letters TP. So you might put rivers on a layer named
TP_RIVERS, and contours on a layer named TP_CONTOURS. To freeze, thaw,
lock, or unlock all layers with topographic data, you would use the expression TP*. Keep in mind that layers appear in alphabetical order.
For information on wild cards and layer commands, refer to Using Layers
and Object Properties in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Tiling Maps
If a map is larger than the digitizing tablet, the map can be broken into
sections and assembled later into one large drawing. This process is known
as tiling. Include a 35 percent overlap between the tiled sections, which
allows you to reassemble and match the edges of the tiled maps accurately at
a later time.
Map tiles
After you finish digitizing, use the Autodesk Map cleanup tools to match
boundary edges and create one drawing with contiguous and complete data.
See Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools.
Planning
99
For information about structuring data as object data or in external databases, see Using Internal Object Data or External Tables on page 37.
Digitizing Nodes
Node topology defines the interrelation of node objects (points). Node topologies are often used in conjunction with other models in analysis but can
also represent point locations or point sources, such as wells or pollution
sources respectively. Street lights and signs are other examples of objects represented as nodes in node topologies. To represent a node, you can
For information about the above commands, see the online Command Reference.
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Digitizing Maps
Digitizing Networks
Network topology defines a linear network, consisting of connected linear
objects, known as links. The links are joined at nodes, which can appear as
text, blocks, or point objects. You can use data in a network topology for
finding possible travel or flow routes, defining input to analysis models, and
presenting network information.
The following illustration shows two examples of network topologiesa
water pipe network and an electrical network.
Planning
101
Digitizing Polygons
Polygon topology defines polygons, using links to define boundaries between
adjacent areas. It is used to represent areas such as county boundaries, land
parcels, and drainage basins. Polygon topology can be used for spatial
analysis and combined with other topologies.
The following illustration shows two examples of polygon topologies.
Cantons
Crops in fields
After Digitizing
Once you complete the digitizing process, you can reconfigure your digitizing tablet to work with the standard AutoCAD tablet menu. Refer to the
TABLET command in the online AutoCAD Command Reference.
Note When returning to a previously digitized drawing, you can use the
DDINSERT command to add data from other digitizing sessions.
Cleaning Up Maps
Data created by digitizing is not complete until you have cleaned up and verified the data. See Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing
Tools.
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Digitizing Maps
Verifying Data
If you require a high degree of accuracy, you may have to verify digitized data
against field data. You can use digital orthophotos, survey data, and overlay
maps to ensure that your data is current and accurate. If the source map is
not up to date, you need to verify that roads, buildings, and other man-made
structures match the current area. You also need to update maps when new
roads or buildings are constructed, zoning changes occur, power lines and
other utilities are modified, and parcels of land are divided or joined.
Error checking is an important part of data verification. One method is to
symbolize features or objects based on their attribute information in the
database and conduct a visual check for features that look incorrect. For
example, you could thicken all right-of-way lines in a parcel database and
thin all other lines to make sure that parcel boundaries were categorized
correctly. You can search for invalid spatial relationships, querying, for
example, all valves of a certain type, highlighting them, and visually
checking that they are connected to the correct pipe sizes.
For information on displaying objects in different ways according to their
properties, see Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze Data, and Chapter 16,
Thematic Map Design.
If information about features is stored as object data or in an external
database, you can use data or SQL queries to find data inconsistencies, for
example, verifying that all pipe sizes are greater than one diameter and
smaller than another. You can also find other inconsistencies, such as all
right-of-ways that do not have an object data record or external database link
to a land parcel.
After Digitizing
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104
In this chapter
Overview of coordinate
geometry
coordinate geometry
Measuring coordinate
geometry
105
When you are creating an object and are asked to specify a point, you can
specify the point using coordinate geometry.
To specify coordinate geometry while you are using another command, you
use a transparent command. Transparent commands are commands that you
can use in the middle of other commands. For example, if you are using the
PLINE command to create a polyline, when you are asked to specify a point
for the polyline, you can instead start the Angle Distance command which
lets you specify your polyline points by selecting the angle and distance from
a known point.
You can use the following methods to specify a point:
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starting line.
3 Specify the distance from the
starting line.
starting point.
1
107
starting line.
starting point.
3 Specify the distance from the
starting point.
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Chapter 8
You can extract geometric information from objects such as lines, curves,
closed polylines, and polygons. This information is useful if you want to verify the accuracy of your maps, or if you want to send the data to the field.
You can do the following:
Add distancesCalculate the total of several disjunct distances by selecting points in your drawing, entering distances on the command line, or
selecting numeric text, such as measurements, in your drawing.
Display COGO information for lines and arcsDisplay coordinate geometry for lines and arcs. This information includes line and curve details,
area, and coordinates.
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110
In this chapter
Importing data
Exporting data
Using profiles
111
Some digital map files do not contain all these types of information.
Importing Data
Online Help Index
importing, external data
You can import data in other file formats into Autodesk Map, and the data
can be read into a new or existing file.
The Import/Export feature provides an easy and reliable way to import your
maps from other formats into Autodesk Map. You can import not only the
objects themselves, but also data and display options associated with the
objects. In addition, Autodesk Map can automatically perform a coordinate
conversion on the objects as they are imported.
You can use a command script to import a series of files using pre-specified
options for the translation. Refer to Programming Interfaces in the online
AutoCADCustomization Guide for information on creating and running
command scripts.
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Chapter 9
You can specify which layers (sometimes called themes, levels, or files) in
the incoming file should be mapped to layers in the Autodesk Map drawing.
You can import data from the incoming file to object data tables in the
Autodesk Map drawing or to external database tables.
You can save your import settings and easily use them again. For more information see Using Profiles on page 117.
Importing Data
113
If you import points as blocks, you can choose to import the attribute data
with the objects. If an attribute name on the block that is being created
matches a field name on the incoming point, the data for that attribute will
be imported with the point.
Autodesk MapGuide is an Internet-enabled GIS product for authoring, publishing, distributing, and viewing interactive maps and graphics over the
Internet and across corporate intranets. It provides a client/server framework
for accessing GIS technology through an easy-to-use Web browser interface.
Using Autodesk Map, you can import Autodesk MapGuide SDF files and edit
or print them, or add them to your project drawing sets.
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Exporting Data
You can export your Autodesk Map drawings to other formats. You can
export not only the objects themselves, but also data associated with the
objects. In addition, Autodesk Map can automatically perform a coordinate
conversion on the objects as they are exported.
You can use a command script to export a series of drawings using pre-specified options for the translation. Refer to Programming Interfaces in the
online AutoCAD Customization Guide for information on creating and running command scripts.
During export, Autodesk Map will copy objects from the active Autodesk
Map drawing to the specified file or location. If you want to export objects
from a source drawing, query those objects into the current project before
you begin the export.
Exporting Data
115
Selecting Objects
You can automatically select all objects, or you can manually select the
objects you want. Alternatively, you can export only objects on selected layers or assigned to selected feature classes.
The status bar tells you how many objects are currently selected and how
many are filtered out. If you are exporting a polygon topology, the topology
objects are not included in the number.
In addition, you can preview the objects that will be exported.
Note If you are exporting to a format that uses entity types, some objects may
count as more than one entity type. For example, lines that form a polygon will
count as line entities and as a polygon entity.
Coordinate Conversion
If you've assigned a coordinate system to the active Autodesk Map drawing,
you can convert objects from that coordinate system to a coordinate system
you specify.
Data
You can export data that is associated with the objects. You can export object
properties, object data, block attributes, or external database data.
When you export external data, two options are available:
If the external file format does not support external databases, select all
the fields you want to export from the database table. The data from the
fields is attached to the exported object as attribute data.
If the external file format supports external database files, select just the
Key field for export. This maintains the link to the external database. This
option is faster, because it doesnt open the associated database, and it creates a smaller external file, because only the key data is exported.
You can also have Autodesk Map automatically create a field with a unique
value for each exported object.
Polygon Topology
You can export a polygon topology. If you select this option, Autodesk Map
exports a polygon object for each polygon in the topology.
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You can export Autodesk Map DWG format files to Autodesk MapGuide SDF
and SIF format, with the option to create a new SDF file or append data to an
existing file. You should export only one type of datapoint, line, polygon,
or annotationto an SDF file. You can export data attached to objects in a
drawing to fields in the SDF file that are used for popup labels and text, links
to external databases, and embedded Web links that jump to other Web
pages. You can choose to use the coordinate system set in Autodesk Map or
export the file using a different global coordinate system. You can also define
your own coordinate system for the translation. All files are exported with
64-bit precision. The SIF file is a spatial index format file.
For more information about Autodesk MapGuide SDF and SIF files, refer to
Autodesk MapGuide SDF Loader Help.
After creating the SDF file, you can then use Autodesk MapGuide Author and
Autodesk MapGuide Server to produce the MLF and MWF files needed to create and deliver Web-viewable maps.
Using Profiles
Online Help Index
profiles for import/export
Once you have specified the settings you want for import or export, you can
save those settings in a profile and use them again later.
This can save time if you plan to use the same settings more than once. Profiles are also useful when you automate the import or export process with
command line scripts. Export profiles are saved as *.epf files; import profiles
are saved as *.ipf files.
Using Profiles
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Import Profiles
When you save an import profile, it does not store the current file name.
When you load an import profile, the table settings are reset for any input
layers that match an input layer name in the saved profile. Layers that dont
match an input layer in the saved profile are not reset.
If the specified coordinate system code isnt in the dictionary, the coordinate system is set to None.
If the data field name to be used for a layer doesnt exist, the drawing layer
is set to Layer 0. If the specified drawing layer doesnt exist, it will be created.
If the data field name to use for the block name doesnt exist, or if the
specified block doesn't exist, the block is set to ACAD_POINT.
Export Profiles
When you save an export profile, it does not store the current file name or
the current selection set.
When you load an export profile, if the specified data source doesnt exist,
the Include Table Data option is set to No.
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Chapter 9
10
In this chapter
Understanding editing in
Autodesk Map
Using polygons and closed
polylines
119
You might need to clean up data that is digitized, imported from other file
formats, or derived from inaccurately drawn maps. Sometimes maps contain
inaccuracies resulting from surveying, digitizing, or scanning errors. For
example, parcel boundaries may not align correctly or common boundaries
may be unnecessarily duplicated, highway junctions might not meet (undershoot) or might extend beyond the correct alignment (overshoot).
To improve the accuracy of your maps, you can use the Autodesk Map
drawing cleanup tools. If you want to use topology, you should clean up your
maps before you define a topology. See Chapter 11, Creating Map Topology.
This section uses the term linear object to refer to lines, polylines, arcs, and
circles in a drawing and the term node to refer to the connection point
between linear objects. The term tolerance refers to the distance used to determine if an error exists.
Node
Linear object
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Undershoots
and overshoots
Unwanted
dangles
Overdigitized
Undershoot
Overshoot
State line
Double digitized
Incomplete polygons
County line
Unconverted objects.
Note It is highly recommended that you save a backup copy of your map
before using the cleanup tools.
121
When you clean up a map, you select the linear objects (lines, polylines, arcs,
and circles) that you want to include in the cleanup process. Objects of other
types, such as text or blocks, are automatically filtered out and cant be
cleaned up. You can also select the objects you want to anchor. Anchored
objects are used as reference points and are not altered during the cleanup
process; their geometry and coordinates are fixed and objects being cleaned
up are moved towards them.
You specify how to treat the original linear objects in the drawing after the
cleanup operation is complete.
Delete Original and Create New ObjectsDeletes all the original linear
objects and creates new linear objects on a layer you specify. For example,
the original undershoot is deleted, and a new linear object is created that
extends to the required location.
After you complete the cleanup operation, you can run the operation again
to verify that you corrected all existing errors. Cleaning up the geometry in
the drawing creates new geometry and new relationships between the
objects, and each iteration will create new relationships, so you might need
to run the cleanup operation several times.
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Correcting Errors
You can correct the errors detected by Autodesk Map using either of the following methods:
Interactively Autodesk Map evaluates where cleanup will take place and
displays a list of detected errors. You review the list, examine the locations
that might require correction, and then decide whether to make the cor-
rection, place a marker on the location, or remove the error from the list
without making the correction. You can repeat this process multiple
times, each time removing markers from earlier operations.
When you correct errors interactively, you can use these approaches:
Mark all the errors in the map, then use manual editing methods to correct the errors.
Allow Autodesk Map to correct the error for you.
Error Markers
When correcting errors interactively, you can use error markers to make map
errors more visible, which can help you locate the errors more quickly. When
you correct errors, markers are removed automatically. If you don't correct an
error, you can remove the marker and skip the error, or leave the marker in
the map so you can find and correct it later. If you clean up a map multiple
times, you can choose to remove or maintain markers from earlier operations. You can also choose to remove or maintain markers from the current
operation.
You can specify the size, shape, and color of the error markers used to mark
each type of error. You should set up your error markers so that each error
type uses a different marker to make the errors easy to distinguish. For example, you can use red octagons to mark short objects, blue squares to mark
cluster nodes, and magenta triangles to mark pseudo nodes.
Notes
The markers used to mark errors detected by drawing cleanup are the same
as those used to mark errors detected while creating a polygon topology.
Before performing a drawing cleanup operation, Autodesk Map removes
any markers present from creating a polygon topology. Conversely, before
creating a polygon topology, Autodesk Map removes any markers present
from previous drawing cleanup operations.
Error markers arent used if you have Autodesk Map correct errors automatically or for the Simplify Objects cleanup action.
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Cleanup Order
If you correct errors automatically, cleanup operations are performed in the
order you specify in the Drawing Cleanup Select Actions dialog box. If you
correct errors interactively, you can step through the list of errors detected by
the drawing cleanup process.
The order in which you carry out cleanup operations can change the results.
For example, see Erase Dangling Objects on page 128, where the order in
which you break crossing objects and erase dangling objects affects the
results.
Note If you perform Simplify Objects with other cleanup actions, Autodesk
Map automatically performs Simplify Objects first, regardless of the order specified. We recommend that you run Simplify Objects as a separate drawing
cleanup operation.
Delete Duplicates
You can delete duplicate objects to clean up data for topologies, plotting, or
thematic mapping. Points, text, and blocks are not included in delete duplicate calculations. An objects geometry (its coordinate location and number
of vertices) is considered when detecting duplicate objects. Objects with the
same geometry but different direction, type (for example, lines and
polylines), or properties (for example, linetype and color) may be considered
as duplicates.
Note Objects with the same geometry, but on different layers, are considered
as duplicates. If your map has coincident objects on different layers, you should
work with one layer at a time.
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Objects within the tolerance distance of each other can be considered duplicates as shown in the following illustration. In most cases, you should keep
the tolerance value very small when deleting duplicate objects.
Duplicate objects
Tolerance
Before cleanup
After cleanup
When you use Delete Duplicate Objects with Break Crossing Objects, the
closed polylines (A and B) are broken into two open polylines (T and V) with
no duplicate edges. A third open polyline (U) represents the edge.
When deleting duplicate edges that are polyline segments, the command
deletes lines and arcs before breaking polylines. The function removes only
objects with the same properties and geometry, even if the objects are on different layers. Direction is not considered.
Warning! Do not use the Delete Duplicate Objects option with polygon topology because this function deletes important topology data.
125
This function is similar to dissolve pseudo nodes, except erasing short objects
removes both the linear object and associated nodes. See Correcting Nodes
on page 131.
Depending on your data, you might want to snap clustered nodes afterwards
to correct errors that can result from erasing short objects. The following
illustration shows the types of errors that might be introduced and how you
can correct them by snapping clustered nodes. See Snap Clustered Nodes
on page 131.
Note Set the tolerance distance to a value slightly smaller than the shortest
object length you want to retain.
126
Note The Break Crossing Objects option corrects apparent problems across
layers and may break lines meant to indicate separate objects, such as rivers and
roads. Use Break Crossing Objects with one layer at a time to avoid this problem.
Closed objects, such as contours and lakes, can be cleaned up with the Break
Crossing Objects and Erase Dangling Objects options. Use Break Crossing
Objects to create separate objects, and then use Erase Dangling Objects,
explained in Erase Dangling Objects on page 128, or the ERASE command.
Verify that the shape created after editing reflects the intended shape and
that a distorted closed area is not created.
Note Using the Break Crossing Objects option on an arc whose endpoints are
very close, may result in the duplication or extension of the arc.
Extend Undershoots
Undershoots are often caused by inaccurate digitizing or by converting
scanned data. The illustration shows two examples often found in road
maps. The undershoots fall short of the target linear objects.
Undershoot
127
When you use Extend Undershoots, you can select the Break Target option if
you want Autodesk Map to break the target linear object at the intersection.
This saves you the step of having to use Break Crossing Objects after using
Extend Undershoots.
Note Using the Extend Undershoots option on an arc whose endpoints are
very close, may result in the duplication or extension of the arc.
A
B
As shown in the following illustration, if you use Break Crossing Objects first,
you create two lines C and D from object B. Then using Erase Dangling
Objects deletes only the short object D, leaving object C.
A
B
Break point
C
D
Dangling object
Set the tolerance distance to a value larger than the largest object you want
to delete.
128
Zero-Length Objects
Zero-length objects are linear objects (lines, polylines, arcs, and circles) that
have a start point and an end point but zero-length or only a start point.
These can be introduced inadvertently when importing data from other
applications or when digitizing map data. To find and remove zero-length
objects from a map, use the Zero Length Objects cleanup action.
Autodesk Map doesnt refer to a tolerance value when identifying zero-length
objects; only objects with a length equal to 0 are identified as errors. If you
want to remove short linear objects within a specified tolerance value, see
Erase Short Objects on page 126.
Simplifying Objects
Overdigitizing occurs when a large area is digitized with a high degree of
detail and the map is represented at a small scale. For example, a map might
show tiny irregularities in a stream, which are not visible when looking at a
city-wide map. Also, the resulting map has a large file size, is slow to work
with and plot, and for many applications, you do not need that level of
detail. You can use Simplify Objects to reduce unnecessary complexity in
contour lines, rivers, and coastlines. Simplifying objects, also known as generalizing, or weeding, reduces the number of points on a complex line.
Note We recommend that you run Simplify Objects as a separate cleanup process. If you perform Simplify Objects with other actions, Autodesk Map automatically performs Simplify Objects first, regardless of the specified order.
Before simplifying objects, you should perform a separate cleanup process to
delete duplicates, because duplicate lines can cause inconsistent results.
If you think you need both detailed and coarse data, save the original drawing with a different name; then use the drawing cleanup tools to reduce line
and polyline complexity by simplifying objects. You can then save the map
again. Alternatively, you can use the Retain Original Objects... option to keep
the original objects and put the new objects on another layer.
Warning! The Simplify Objects option reduces file size and improves performance but also reduces the resolution of the data and removes width from
polylines. Make sure you save your map before you simplify linear objects, so you
can return to the original lines if necessary.
The Simplify Objects cleanup action converts a set of connected line, arc, and
polyline segments within the same tolerance into a single polyline. You specify the tolerance width. The tolerance values vary according to the scale of
129
the map you are working with; maps with coordinate values in the millions
use larger values than maps with coordinate values in the hundreds.
Tolerance
Before
simplifying linear objects
After
simplifying linear objects
When you simplify objects, you can select the Create Arcs option if you want
to allow Autodesk Map to introduce arcs into objects when simplifying them.
Notes
130
If you select more than one Simply Objects action, Autodesk Map performs only the first one listed.
Correcting Nodes
If your map contains multiple nodes near the same point (clusters), nodes
that join only two linear objects (pseudo nodes), or nodes at the end of linear
objects that are not attached to any other linear objects (dangles), you can use
the Snap Clustered Nodes and Dissolve Pseudo Nodes cleanup actions to
correct them.
Dangling node
Node
cluster
Pseudo node
You use the Drawing Cleanup - Select Objects dialog box to choose the nodes
you want to correct.
With this option, tolerance is the radial search distance for locating
geometric errors during the cleanup process.
131
Note Autodesk Map does not refer to a tolerance value when dissolving
pseudo nodes.
If you want to remove short linear objects and their associated nodes completely, use the Erase Short Objects option. See Erase Short Objects on page
126. See also Snap Clustered Nodes on page 131.
The Dissolve Pseudo Nodes option joins objects when two linear objects end
at the same location. You can also use this option to remove pseudo nodes in
conjunction with simplifying linear objects, converting a set of connected
line, arc, and polyline segments within the same tolerance into a single
polyline. See Simplifying Objects on page 129.
When you dissolve a pseudo node between the end points of two 2D
polylines with different Z values, the first Z-value on the object is used. With
3D polylines, the Z-value on the first vertex is used. The objects remain a 3D
polyline. For all other properties, the values on the first object are used.
Note Using the Dissolve Pseudo Nodes option may result in the loss of certain
types of data. For example, if two lines have object data attached, the resulting
single polyline retains object data from only one of the lines. Similarly, if two lines
on different layers share an end point, the resulting polyline will reside on only
one of the layers. The same is true of objects that are members of different feature classes; the resulting object will be a member of only one of the classes.
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Once you have specified the settings you want for drawing cleanup, you can
save those settings in a profile and use them again later. This can save time if
you plan to use the same settings more than once. Profiles are also useful
when you automate the drawing cleanup process with scripts or share settings with other users. Drawing cleanup profiles are saved as *.dpf files.
Drawing cleanup profiles include all the options specified in the drawing
cleanup dialog boxes, including the layer names used for object selection and
anchoring, cleanup actions and settings, cleanup methods, and error marker
settings (if any). Drawing cleanup profiles do not include the actual objects
selected and anchored on the specified layers.
You can edit drawing cleanup profiles in Autodesk Map and then save your
changes, choosing either to replace an existing profile or save it as a new profile. We do not recommend editing drawing cleanup profiles outside of
Autodesk Map.
To create new drawings from objects in source drawings, you perform one
or more queries to copy selected objects from the source drawing files. If
you want, you can modify the objects using Autodesk Map property
alteration or standard AutoCADediting commands. You can then save
your changes in the project file or use the Save As command to create a
new file. You do not save the modified objects back to the source drawings; the source drawings remain unchanged.
To edit source drawings, you perform queries to retrieve the objects that
you want to modify or you create new objects in the project drawing. You
tell Autodesk Map which objects to save back to the source drawings by
adding those objects to the save set. Only objects in the save set are saved
back to the source drawings. For information about save sets, see Chapter
2,, Sharing and Saving Drawings.
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When you modify an object in a map, the original object can be deleted, and
a new object created in its place. Each new object inherits the properties of
the original object, including object data and links to external databases.
However, polyline vertices do not retain curve data, and the polyline cannot
subsequently be decurved. Polyline width is set to a constant width equal to
the end width of the original polyline.
The tools work in two dimensions only and ignore Z-values. When you use
the tools, Z data (indicating elevations) might be lost when processing
objects at different elevations. If data is lost, a warning message appears and
you can use the UNDO command to restore the information.
Warning! Do not use any of the methods described in this chapter to edit
existing topologies; you might make a topology invalid and not be able to recreate it. To edit topologies, use the topology editing functions described in Editing Topology on page 156.
Edge Matching
Maps that are digitized at different times or that use different coordinate
systems often appear distorted at their edges. Objects, such as roads,
pipelines, and topographic features, that cross from one map area to another,
can appear discontinuous or irregular. Distortion results from digitizing
errors caused by:
Changes in humidity that distort the size and shape of the map
Inherent digitizer tablet inaccuracies
Missing or overlapping map coverage
Edge matching is the term given to the process that attempts to create a
seamless join across two or more maps. To correct these ambiguities, you
define a Location query with the Buffer Fence option (see Finding Objects
Based on Location on page 193), and then use the Snap Clustered Nodes
option with a tolerance that causes the objects to join.
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Use the edge-matching process on one layer at a time. For example, you
might edge match the roads on the two maps first. You need to define a location query that includes all the objects in the distorted area, and then select
those objects for editing and save back to source drawings.
One way to avoid the need to use edge matching is to digitize a complete
map in one session rather than breaking the map into smaller sections. If you
have to digitize a map in sections, allow a 35 percent overlap along the
edges of a map tile and digitize both linear and point features on each tile
that are common to both tiles of the map.
If you are using different coordinate systems for the tiled maps, establish a
base map in the current drawing and then perform location queries to
retrieve the maps using different systems.
Transformation is the uniform adjustment of a data set based on the new locations of known control points. Transformations move, rotate, and scale data
without compromising the relative accuracy of the data. Transformations do
not change the angle and relative distance between features. For example, in
digitizing a quarter-section parcel map in which you have predefined known
coordinates in all four corners, the software makes the digitized material fit
relative to the four registration points during or after the digitizing process.
Autodesk Map uses four points to transform the objects. The objects are
moved, rotated, and scaled based on two source and two destination points.
A
1st source point
B
2nd source point
The Transform editing tool works very differently from the Simple Transformation settings in the Drawing Settings dialog box. These settings temporarily adjust the position of objects as they are retrieved during the query
process. Autodesk Map reverses these transformations during save back.The
Transform editing tool permanently scales, moves, and rotates objects within
the project.
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For more information, see Setting Scale, Rotation, and Offset on page 22.
Note When you use Autodesk Map global coordinate systems with your map,
the Transformation options are not available.
You add text to objects using the Alter Properties feature in the Define Query
dialog box. By default, Autodesk Map positions the text at the centroid of the
object.
The following illustration shows the centroid of various shapes.
The text position relative to the object is called the label point. You can redefine the default label point using the Define Text Location feature.
Related To use this insertion point, choose the .LABELPT dot variable in the
Define Text dialog box when you create the Property Alteration definition in
the Define Query dialog box.
Rubber Sheeting
rubber sheeting
Rubber sheeting is a nonuniform adjustment of a data set based on the movement of known control points to new locations. For example, data collected
by aerial survey may be inaccurate because of flight alignment and camera
inaccuracies. By comparing this data with accurate ground survey data, the
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aerial data can be stretched or rubber sheeted over the accurate data using
control points and monuments common to both data sets.
Warning! Use rubber sheeting only when absolutely necessary because it can
severely compromise the accuracy of the data. Use rubber sheeting as a last
resort after exhausting other methods of object editing and coordinate adjustment.
Use rubber sheeting when attempting to get two or more different data sets
from different sources to align geographically. For example, when stretching
a new subdivision map into a preexisting parcel map. However, rubber sheeting should not be used to match maps of different scales.
In the following illustration the second map has become distorted. Data on
the second map will be rubber sheeted to match the data on the first map.
Autodesk Map performs rubber sheeting by moving base points that you
specify to new points that you specify. The more base points you use, the
more accurate the results. You can select objects manually, or you can select
all objects that cross the original sheet area. As a rule of thumb for complex
curved figures, the more vertices you enter, the more accurate the proportionate stretching will be. Note that AutoCAD entities that have a given
shape, such as circles, arcs, and ellipses, retain their original shape.
Rubber sheeting works only on objects in the project.
Rubber sheet the less accurate data to fit the more accurate data. Perform a
query to bring in the source drawing and apply rubber sheeting to the two
137
maps. If you have set up a system of control points, or monuments, use this
data as the reference to which you rubber sheet other maps.
Using the Boundary Break option on the Map Tools menu, you can break
any objects that cross a given line. This capability lets you save maps back to
source drawings with clean edges or plot maps without overlapping borders.
It functions like the AutoCAD BREAK command for a selected set of objects
and a polyline boundary.
The following illustration shows the behavior of objects after you cut the
boundaries of a map using the Boundary Break option. The map of the lake
is broken into three areas. The resulting maps are shown as separated plots
for clarity although the command does not move the map sections.
Before boundary
break
After boundary
break
Breaks vectors and edge objects with start and end points that straddle a
cutting edge.
Does not break objects such as blocks, text, hatch patterns, and other
objects with a single insertion point that do not form edges; the insertion
point determines which map contains the object.
Note that the text Thonon-les-Bains remains in the central map because
the text has a MiddleCenter justification and insertion point.
The edges of the boundary do not have to form a rectilinear shape. If you are
breaking using lines of latitude and longitude, the edges are, at best, trape-
138
zoidal. You can use existing boundaries or define the boundaries once you
start the command.
Once the objects are broken, you can save the data back to the source drawings. For information on saving back, see Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving
Drawings. You can erase objects outside the required area and plot the data
inside the boundary. You can also use the WBLOCK command with the same
boundary to create a new DWK of the area you break. For information about
plotting maps, see Chapter 17, Plotting Maps.
You can also use Boundary Break to show an enlargement of a selected area.
In the following illustration, a rectangle with a dashed line was drawn,
boundaries were broken inside the rectangle and the objects from the
enclosed area were copied and then rescaled. The rectangle is offset to
emphasize the inset.
Adding an inset to a map avoids using two maps to illustrate one feature and
communicates the focus of the map better.
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You can use this command to enhance plotted maps. An example of this is
shown in the following illustration. A rectangle is drawn in an area where
text annotation is required; after trimming objects inside the area, you can
add text that will not be obscured.
You can use a boundary to trim all objects within (inside) the boundary or
outside the boundary. The following illustration shows two lines running
through a lake. The lake is the boundary. If the lines indicate zones inside the
lake, such as areas of contamination, you use the Trim Outside Boundary
option in the Trim Objects At Boundary dialog box to retain the boundaries
inside the lake. If you want to show boundaries that cross the lake, such as
soil types or solid geology, use the Trim Inside Boundary option to show that
the boundaries end at the lake.
Boundary
Trim outside boundary
Line objects
140
Polygon objects can represent areas in the drawing such as property lots, city
limits, or county boundaries. Complex polygons have nested boundaries. For
example, a state map could be composed of a single polygon with an outer
boundary representing the state, inner boundaries representing lakes, and
boundaries within those boundaries representing islands in the lakes.
You can create polygon objects in several ways. You can create them directly,
using the MPOLYGON command. You can also convert polylines to polygons, or convert a polygon topology to polygons.
For existing polygons, you can add, move, or delete boundaries; fill with a
selected pattern, solid color, or gradient; or change a polygon boundary to be
inner, outer, or annotation.
You can create closed polylines from a polygon topology. Use the Create
Closed Polylines function when you have created a polygon topology and
you want to
Give data to an AutoCAD user so the user can hatch polygonal areas.
Export data to an external file format that does not support topologies.
While creating closed polygons from polygon topology, you have the option
to create a group containing all the elements of complex areas, such as
islands. You can manipulate grouped data with the GROUP command as
described in Editing Drawings of the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
141
You can also copy the object data and external database links held in the centroids to the closed polylines.
For more information about topologies, see Understanding Topology Functions on page 144.
The ADEFILLPOLYG command always creates a hatch object with the solid
fill hatch style.
Related
You can also use the BHATCH command to fill closed polylines.
Note If you move closed polylines that you filled using ADEFILLPOLYG, you
must move the hatch object as well. Autodesk Map considers the closed polyline
and the hatch object as separate objects.
Also, if you set the Create Associative Hatch Objects option on the Query tab
of the Autodesk Map Options dialog box, Autodesk Map creates associative
hatch objects when you use the ADEFILLPOLYG command, the ADEQUERY
command (using Alter Properties), or the MAPTHEMATIC command (using
a fill) to fill closed polylines.
To fill closed polylines automatically with hatch patterns or solid fills when
performing queries, use the Alter Properties feature in the Define Query
dialog box. For more information, see Altering the Properties of Queried
Objects on page 205.
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11
In this chapter
Understanding topology
functions
topology
143
144
Polygon topology:
county boundaries
Topology is easy to create and edit; for example, you can change a node, and
an associated polygon is modified.
Topology is also an effective way to store large amounts of data; for example,
boundaries between adjacent polygons are stored as a single boundary.
Links
Polygons
X,Y Coordinate
Data
Single X,Y
coordinate
Series of X,Y
coordinates
Boundary of X,Y
coordinates
Dimensions
None (point)
Length
Area
Three types of topology relationships can be built from these primitives: linknode, link-polygon, and left-right.
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Link-Node Relationships
With link-node relationships, linear features (links) are connected to other
linear features at their end points (nodes). This concept provides the linear
intelligence necessary for network tracing, routing, and more.
Every link can have two nodes: a beginning node and an ending node, and
nodes can be shared by two or more links. A link (like a polyline) can have
an unlimited number of intermediate vertices. You can assign a direction to
a link; the default direction value is 0, which represents bidirectional or twoway directions. You can also assign a resistance, which is the difficulty in traversing the link. The default resistance is the length of the link.
The connection between two links occurs at the same node. Each node has a
unique identification (ID) number.
Each node knows all of the links that connect to it. In a network topology, a
node does not exist without a link. A dangling node is a node with only one
link attached as shown in the following illustration. A dangling node is an
error when it is part of a polygon topology.
Vertex
Link
Dangling nodes
Node
Pseudo node
Node
A pseudo node is a node with exactly two links attached. These nodes may be
unnecessary but may be needed for representing change from one link to
another.
For a water utility, nodes can represent valves, and links represent the water
lines. You can use topology to model the connections between water lines.
For example, the topology can show all water lines closed off when a valve is
shut.
For emergency services, the links can represent street segments, and nodes
represent the intersection of two or more streets. You can use topology to
determine the shortest path between two locations along the set of streets.
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Link-Polygon Relationships
Connected links can form polygons. A polygon may contain links with any
direction or resistance.
A polygon can have donut holes or islands, polygons within the area that are
not included in that area. These islands can also form a polygon or set of
polygons.
The following illustration shows an example of connected links forming a
polygon, and the object data stored with a polygon.
Area
Island
Centroid
Link
Node
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Left-Right Relationships
If you place yourself at the beginning node and look along the link toward
the ending node, the link has a left side and a right side. If that link forms
the boundary between two polygons, the link identifies a polygon on the left
and a polygon on the right.
Left
polygon
Right
polygon
Left and right sides of the link are important for more than finding adjacent
area relationships. The US Census Bureau TIGER files, which contain geographic coordinates, street name, and address information, are encoded with
a left and a right side for each street segment and store address ranges for
each side of the street.
148
The first step in using graphical data for topology is to clean up the data. You
should clean up data before you define a topology; if you do not, you will get
meaningless results, and in some cases you will not be able to create a topology.
When creating a polygon topology, Autodesk Map automatically checks for
errors that must be corrected before creating a polygon topology. These
include lines that cross each other but have no node at the intersection and
polygons without a centroid. If you want, you can also have Autodesk Map
check for polygons with duplicate centroids and incomplete areas, but these
are optional. You specify how you want Autodesk Map to display detected
errors; you can highlight errors, mark them with blocks, or both. If Autodesk
Map detects errors, the errors are displayed in the map but arent corrected.
You must correct the errors and then create the polygon topology.
For more information, see Creating a Polygon Topology on page 153. For
information about how to correct common errors that can occur, see Chapter
10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools.
Creating a Topology
Online Help Index
topology, creating
When you create a topology, all the nodes, links and centroids for the topology must be in the current drawing. Information for the topology can come
from multiple drawings, such as tiled drawings of a road network or district
maps of parcels. To create information for a topology from attached source
drawings, you define a query to retrieve the information. Make sure any
changes are saved in the current save set.
Note Before you create a topology, freeze all layers containing objects in paper
space. If you do not freeze these layers, paper space objects are included in the
topology creation.
149
After you create a topology, you can use the topology edit and administration
tools, described later in this chapter, and the query and analysis functions
described in Chapter 15,Analyzing Map Topology.
Saving a Topology
You can save the topology in the current drawing or save it back to the
attached source drawings. For data queried from source drawings, you can
save back the topology information to the source drawings, and save the
project drawing. Future work with the topology should be done in the
project drawing with the source drawings active and attached. This method
ensures that complete and correct object data associated with the topology is
available.
Information Stored
EXAMPLE
TPMDESC_EXAMPLE
TYPE
Topology type
TOLERANCE
LINK_LAYER
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LINK_COLOR
Color of links
CREATE_NODE
NODE_LAYER
NODE_TYPE
Type of nodes
NODE_BLOCK
CREATE_CNTR
CNTR_LAYER
CNTR_COLOR
Color of centroids
Topology
Name
Information Stored
CNTR_TYPE
Type of centroids
CNTR_BLOCK
This information can be included in a topology query. See Chapter 15,Analyzing Map Topology.
Depending on the type of topology, other object data tables are created and
attached to the elements of the topology; these elements, with object data
tables examples, are described in the following sections.
You can create a node topology with point objects, blocks, or text. A node
topology used in association with a network or polygon topology can hold
information about junctions and intersections between elements of the
topology.
Information about a node topology is held in an object data table like the one
shown in the following table.
Topology Name
SAMPLE_NODE
TPMNODE_SAMPLE_NODE
ID
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Non-intersecting links
Non-intersecting links
Intersecting links in
a network topology
When you create the network topology with nodes at each intersection, the
nodes do not significantly increase file size, and you can use the nodes for
path trace, best route, and flood trace analysis.
See also Network Tracing Analysis on page 211.
Network topology information is stored on the links and nodes as object
data. Each element of the network topology has different object data values.
Topology Name
SAMPLE_NET
TPMLINK_SAMPLE_NET
ID
START_NODE
END_NODE
DIRECTION
DIRECT_RESISTANCE
REVERSE_RESISTANCE
SAMPLE_NET
TPMNODE_SAMPLE_NET
ID
RESISTANCE
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After the topology is created, you can view the object data tables that are
automatically created. You can also view and edit some data in the Properties
palette.
Network topology information about direction and resistance can be used for
analysis. By default, each link has a bidirectional direction. Both resistance
and direction are stored as object data. You can edit both direction and resistance values using the topology editing tools or the Properties palette. For
more information, see Editing Topology on page 156.
Polygon topology is an extension of network topology and focuses on areabased relationships. Every area forms a polygon; and each polygon in a topology consists of a set of links. A polygon in a topology has a centroid, which
is a point or block element located within the polygon, and containing information about the area enclosed by the polygon boundary.
You can use polygon topology for analysis as explained in Understanding
Spatial and Geographic Analysis on page 210.
Here are some key points about polygon topology:
Polygons almost always share links; most links belong to two polygons,
one on the left and one on the right.
Polygons can have islands; the most common example is actual islands
within lakes. Note that islands can also have islands.
Polygons have areas and perimeters, which are calculated and stored with
the centroids.
Multiple topologies can share edges. For example, a river can be part of
several topologies.
You should clean up your data before you create polygon topology; there
must be no gaps, intersections, or overlaps between any of the line work in a
polygon topology.
When creating a polygon topology, Autodesk Map automatically checks for
errors that must be corrected before creating a polygon topology. These
include lines that cross each other but have no node at the intersection and
polygons without a centroid. If you want, you can also have Autodesk Map
check for polygons with duplicate centroids and incomplete areas, but these
are optional.
You specify how you want Autodesk Map to display detected errors; you can
highlight errors, mark them with blocks, or both. If you mark errors with
blocks, you can specify the color and shape of the blocks you want to use. It
153
is recommended that you use different settings for each type of error so that
they are easy to distinguish in the map.
If Autodesk Map detects errors, the errors are displayed in the map but arent
corrected. You must correct the errors and then create the polygon topology.
Note that you remove the highlighting with the REDRAW command. You
remove the marker blocks by deleting them.
Note The error markers used to mark polygon topology errors are the same as
those used to mark drawing cleanup errors. Before creating a polygon topology,
Autodesk Map removes any markers present from previous drawing cleanup
operations. Conversely, when you run a drawing cleanup operation, Autodesk
Map removes any markers present from creating a polygon topology.
For information about how to correct common errors that can occur, see
Removing Erroneous Data on page 149 and Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools.
You cannot create a polygon topology from ellipses or from closed polylines
that share an edge or intersection with other polygons. Before you create the
topology, you must explode a closed polyline. You can use information from
different layers to define a polygon topology.
Creating polygon topology is similar to creating network topology, except
that you must also select or create centroids. Information to define centroids,
links, and nodes can be derived from layers; information for centroids and
nodes can also be derived from named blocks. Any selected point, text, or
inserted object inside a polygon can be used for the centroid; if there are no
suitable objects, you can specify a centroid block and layer. Each centroid
holds data about the number of links in the polygon and the area and perimeter of that polygon only. Links and nodes hold object data for all topologies
that use them.
Information about a polygon topology is held in the centroids and links. The
object data table for each centroid has the following information.
Topology Name
SAMPLE_POLY
TPMCNTR_SAMPLE_POLY
ID
AREA
PERIMETER
LINKS_QTY
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The object data table for each link in a polygon topology has the following
information.
Topology Name
SAMPLE_POLY
TPMLINK_SAMPLE_POLY
ID
START_NODE
END_NODE
DIRECTION
DIRECT_RESISTANCE
REVERSE_RESISTANCE
LEFT_POLYGON
RIGHT_POLYGON
If you create nodes when you create the polygon topology, the object data
table for each node has the following information.
Topology Name
SAMPLE_POLY
TPMNODE_SAMPLE_POLY
ID
RESISTANCE
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Administering Topology
Online Help Index
topology, managing
Using the topology administration tools in Autodesk Map, you can load,
unload, change the name and description of, and delete an existing topology.
You can also audit or check the status of a topology to ensure its integrity and
get statistics on the topologies in an active project. If a topology was edited
with commands other than those specifically for editing topology, you can
also recreate it. All source drawings associated with a named topology must
be attached and active when you use these tools. Because a drawing can contain more than one topology, all the topology functions prompt you to specify a topology name.
Editing Topology
Online Help Index
topology, editing
156
The topology editing tools allow you to make changes to topology geometry
without losing the integrity of the topology. You access the topology editing
tools by right-clicking the topology you want to edit in the Project Workspace or by typing the command on the command line. If you use object
editing commands such as ERASE or STRETCH to modify a topology, important data may be lost. To repair a topology edited with these commands,
use the Update tool; to edit a topology, use the appropriate topology editing
tool.
To edit a topology, the topology data and geometry must be loaded in the
active project. Only one topology can be active, and edited, at a time, and
multi-user editing of a topology is not permitted. When you load a topology,
an automatic audit checks topology integrity. This audit is concerned not
with geometry, only with topology data. Autodesk Map keeps track of any
incomplete objects, because only complete objects can be edited. The
Complete and Audit tools make objects complete for editing.
See Topology Completeness on page 160.
If you want to add or insert objects into a topology, the current drawing must
be the drawing where the topology was created. If the topology was created
in a source drawing, you must open that drawing directly to add objects to
the topology. Make the layer containing the topology objects the current
layer. New objects will then have the same properties as objects already in the
topology.
If you are working with a network topology, you can edit the direction and
resistance of links and the resistance of nodes in the Properties palette. You
double-click an object to open the Properties palette, which displays the
properties of the selected object. You can also specify direction and resistance
on the command line.
Note If you edit a topology and then use the Undo command, the altered
geometry is restored to its former state but the altered topology remains current.
To perform further editing on the topology, unload and reload the topology. This
applies to all topology functions.
Here are some examples of editing topologies:
Node topologyMoving a survey control point and adjusting any surrounding polygons.
157
topology, highlighting
objects
These tools work only with topologies that have been loaded in the active
project.
The color used for highlighting is the Selected Grip Color, which you can
specify in the AutoCADOptions dialog box. You remove the highlighting
and restore objects to their original color by pressing ESC.
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159
Topology Completeness
If parts of the topology are incomplete (not closed or only part of a polygon),
they are highlighted and excluded from editing. In addition, if a topology is
incomplete, you cannot rename it and should not delete it. Two examples of
incomplete topologies created by queries are shown in the following illustration. The outer polygons in the grid are incomplete because their outside
links are parts of polygons not included in the query.
Source drawing
If you use a location query to retrieve polygons, make sure you use a Crossing
window. If you are using data that is shared with other users, make sure you
load the topology to ensure that you are using current data.
Completing a Topology
Use the Complete tool if you want Autodesk Map to look at the objects and
object data in a drawing, and attempt to complete a network or polygon
topology by retrieving further drawing objects, such as links and centroids
referenced by the topology object data tables. Complex polygons, with one
or more islands, must be fully represented, and all internal islands referenced
by a polygon must be present for Complete to work.
This option completes dangling edges in a network topology and all incomplete areas in polygon topologies; however, it might fill islands as well.
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161
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12
In this chapter
user-defined attribute data with each object in a drawing. When stored in the drawing, this attribute data is
163
After you define and attach object data, you can edit it as necessary.
164
The following table shows the field definitions for an object data table called
HOUSES.
Field definitions for the HOUSES table
Field
Description
Type
Default
OWNER
Owner name
Character
FLOORS
Number of floors
Integer
VALUE
House value
Integer
100000
DATE
Date assessed
Integer
This table has four fields: OWNER, FLOORS, VALUE, and DATE. When you
attach this object data table to an object in your drawing, you can use the
default value or specify a new value to use for each field. The following illustration shows the data attached to three house objects.
Ames
1
197000
1993
Smith
2
142000
1955
Jones
2
173000
1972
The following table shows these records in the HOUSES object data table.
HOUSES object data table
Owner
Floors
Value
Date
Smith
142000
1955
Ames
197000
1993
Jones
173000
1972
Note Autodesk Map works with object data created only in Autodesk Map and
does not recognize object data from other applications, including AutoCAD.
165
When you define an object data table, you specify a set of fields for the table
and assign a name, description, data type, and default value to each field.
After you define an object data table, you use a separate procedure to attach
a record from the table to an object.
You can create multiple object data tables in a single drawing. For example,
you can create one table with pipe flow information and a separate table with
inspection information.
If you plan to use multiple applications with the same drawings or objects,
create an object data table for each application. Because each application
may use different data, you can avoid conflicts by using separate tables.
Take care when naming your tables. If you use the same table name in more
than one drawing, be sure the table definition (or structure) is the same in all
the drawings. If your project has more than one source drawing, Autodesk
Map uses the object table definition for the first drawing that you activate.
When you perform an object data query, Autodesk Map warns that it is ignoring duplicate definitions. (See Finding Objects Based on Internal Data on
page 195.)
The definition you want might not be the definition that Autodesk Map
retrieves. To prevent this problem from occurring, be sure that all tables with
same name have the same definition. If necessary, you can rename or redefine an object data table.
You can rename or delete object data tables if you have superuser privilege,
but you cannot rename or delete an object data table if you have already queried any object from a source drawing.
If you rename a table, the new name must not duplicate an existing table
name.
Note When you delete an object data table from a project, the table is deleted
from all attached, active source drawings.
166
You can modify an object data table by adding, modifying, and deleting
fields in the table; however, you must have superuser privilege, and you cannot modify an object data table if you have already queried any object from
a source drawing.
When you modify an object data field, Autodesk Map updates all instances
of the field attached to objects. If the object data table is large, this process
may take a long time.
After you define an object data table, you can associate it with one or more
objects. When you attach object data to an object, Autodesk Map creates a
new record for the selected table and attaches the record to the object. You
can create more than one record for each object, and you can attach records
from more than one table to an object.
You can attach object data in these ways:
Attach object data manually to selected objects by specifying the data values for each object.
When you attach object data to queried objects, Autodesk Map prompts you
to add the object to the save set.
When you edit an object with object data using the BREAK or TRIM command, and break the object into multiple segments, the object data
remains with only the one segment that contains the start point of the
original object.
When you copy an object that has object data attached, the object data is
also copied.
167
If you place an object with object data inside a block, the object data
remains attached to the object that is placed into the block. You can access
the object data by selecting the Nested Data option.
After you attach object data to an object, you can edit it or detach it at any
time.
After you attach object data to an object, you can edit the object data record,
add another record to the same object, or delete a record from an object. You
must have Edit Drawing privilege to edit object data.
By adding multiple records for the same object, you can keep track of historical information related to the object. For example, if you have a table called
PipeMaintenance, with fields called Inspector, InspectionDate, and Condition, you might have the following records attached to a single pipe object.
PipeMaintenance table
Inspector
McGovern
InspectionDate
11-08-95
Condition
Satisfactory
PipeMaintenance table
Inspector
Shen
InspectionDate
01-20-96
Condition
Replace
If you select a nested object, such as a line within a block, the Nested Data
check box is selected and the type of nested object appears in the list.
168
Once you have attached object data to objects, you can define query conditions that retrieve objects based on the object data. For example, if you have
attached object data to all the nodes that represent wells in your drawing,
you can define a data query condition that retrieves all wells with a depth
greater than 100 feet.
See Defining Queries on page 193.
You can also use object data with the Property Alteration feature to modify
objects based on their attached data. For example, you could define a query
to retrieve all pipes in a selected location, then alter the line width of the pipe
in the drawing based on the pipe diameter information stored in the
attached data file.
For more information on Property Alteration and range tables, see Altering
the Properties of Queried Objects on page 205. See also Creating Advanced
Thematic Maps on page 232.
Note Using the automated thematic map design capabilities of Autodesk Map
is one method of creating thematic maps. For more information, see Creating
Thematic Maps on page 227.
169
170
13
In this chapter
Understanding databases
project
Viewing tables in the Data View
Using the Data View
Linking database records to
drawing objects
171
Understanding Databases
When you have additional information about objects in your drawing, you
can store this information in an external database table and link the data in
the table to objects in your drawing. Then, you can view and query the data,
display it in the drawing, or find objects based on the data linked to them.
Because of the way Autodesk Map connects to the data, you can work with
an external database table without using the database application itself. You
do not even have to have the database software installed on your computer.
Note Autodesk Map supports two methods for connecting to external databases: the Data Source Attach command on the Map menu and the dbConnect command. To use the features described in this chapter, you must connect
databases using the Data Source Attach command on the Map menu (which
is also activated by dragging and dropping a database onto the Project Workspace).
For information on using the dbConnect command and features, refer to
Accessing External Databases in the online AutoCADUsers Guide.
172
ID
Route
Number
Width
Traffic
Volume
Last
Maintenance
Project
I25_W
I25
42000
95-1604A
I40_D
I40
27045
90-4001
US_8517
US85
19822
96-0147
US_8569
US85
16487
92-1131
SFC_66
0066
210
Notes
Graded gravel
This table consists of six columns, or fields, labeled ID, Route Number, Width,
Traffic Volume, Last Maintenance Project, and Notes, and one or more individual rows, or records, that contain the information for a specific road. Each
box, or cell, contains the value for a specific field of a specific record.
With most databases, database tables can be easily modified. You can add
new fields or delete existing fields, add or delete records, and edit existing
records. You can also define relationships between multiple tables. For
example, if you have two tables that share a common field, Room ID, you can
effectively join these two tables using their common field. Using a relational
database helps you avoid having to maintain and input duplicate data across
multiple tables.
When you link data in an external database to objects in your drawing, you
add intelligence to the map; instead of simply producing maps, you can use
your maps for decision making and analysis. For more information, see
Linking Database Records to Drawing Objects on page 182.
Understanding Databases
173
Link template
The Project Workspace contains the following data source related nodes:
Data Sources NodeDisplays all data sources attached to the active project.
and lists the tables and queries for each data source. An unconnected data
source has a red x on its icon.
Link Templates NodeDisplays link templates defined in the active project
or attached to objects in the drawing.
For information about an item listed in the Project Workspace, right-click the
item, and then choose Properties from the shortcut menu. For example,
right-click a table and choose Properties to display the Table Properties dialog
box, which lists the column names and types for the selected table.
To open a table or database query, double-click the item. To open a linked
table or query, double-click the link template name.
If the Project Workspace does not immediately display a data source or link
template, right-click a blank space in the Project Workspace and choose
Refresh from the shortcut menu.
174
When you attach a data source to a project, the data source is listed in the
Project Workspace in the same way an attached drawing is listed. Once a data
source is attached, the attachment is saved with the project. Whenever you
open that project again, the attached data source is displayed.
In addition to attaching the data source to the project, you also need to
connect to the data source. Connecting to a data source opens a channel of
communication between Autodesk Map and the data source. Some Database
Management Systems (DBMS) limit the number of database connections you
can open, so you might want to connect only when you want to run a query
or edit the data in the table. Some DBMS require that you obtain access
privileges before you can connect to a data source. They may prompt you for
a user name and a password. For information on obtaining a password, refer
to the documentation for your DBMS, or check with your database administrator.
For most DBMS, you can attach a data source to an Autodesk Map project by
simply dragging the database file onto the Project Workspace, and Autodesk
Map will automatically create the files it needs to communicate with the
DBMS. However, for some database types, you will need to create some of
these files yourself.
Autodesk Map can use information from many different DBMS. To read these
external data files, Autodesk Map uses drivers that translate the data to a standard format. If you make changes to the data from inside Autodesk Map,
these drivers translate the data back to the database format. The first time
you use a data source with Autodesk Map, Autodesk Map determines the
appropriate driver for the data source. It stores this information, along with
the location and data type of the data source, in a Universal Data Link (UDL)
file.
Autodesk Map supports these drivers: the Jet provider, which works with
Microsoft Access database files, the SQL Server provider, the Oracle provider,
and the ODBC driver, which works with ODBC-compliant databases. These
drivers are installed with Autodesk Map.
Because the ODBC driver works with many different database types, it
requires additional information about each specific DBMS. It gets this information from a Data Source Name (DSN) that registers information about
your DBMS. You need only one DSN for each database type.
175
dBASE
Microsoft Excel
Paradox
MicrosoftVisual FoxPro
For other ODBC-compliant databases, you need to create the DSN yourself
and enter the settings manually before you can connect. The following database types require manual configuration:
Oracle
SQL Server
By default, Autodesk Map connects to Microsoft Accessusing the Jet provider, which does not require a DSN. If you want to connect to Microsoft
Access using the ODBC driver, you must create a DSN.
For information on creating a DSN, refer to your Microsoft Windows documentation.
Microsoft Windows uses a UDL file as a pointer to a specific data source. The
UDL file lists the location of the data, the type of database, the version of the
database, and the appropriate database driver. For each data source that you
use with Autodesk Map, you must have a UDL file.
Autodesk Map uses these UDL files as shortcuts to open a data source. For
each data source you use, you must have a UDL file in the Autodesk Map data
source directory. Once the UDL file exists in the data source directory, you
can use the UDL file at any time to attach the data source to a project.
For most data sources, Autodesk Map creates this UDL file automatically
when you attach a database, and for Access and Excel files, gives the UDL file
the same name as the database file. For other database types, Autodesk Map
gives the UDL file the same name as the directory containing the selected
database file. For some database types, you will need to manually create the
UDL file.
When you edit or create a UDL file, you use the Microsoft Windows Data
Link Properties dialog box. For more information on using this dialog box,
refer to your Microsoft Windows documentation.
176
Once you have attached and connected a data source, you can use the Data
View to view the database tables. The Data View provides two modes for
opening tables.
View modeYou can change the way the table looks on screen by formatting
columns, sorting records, or filtering records, and you can create links
between the data and objects in your drawing. You cannot edit the contents
of the database table. When you open a table in View mode, the table has a
grey background and the words Read Only appear in the Data View title bar.
Edit modeIn addition to formatting the table onscreen, you can edit the
data in the table and add or delete records.
You can also use the Data View to create links from database records to graphical objects in your drawing, then highlight records in the database that are
linked to selected objects in your drawing.
For information on creating links, see Linking Database Records to Drawing
Objects on page 182.
In the Project Workspace, each data source lists the tables and queries defined
for that data source. You can
177
Database query
178
The Data View displays the data source tables records in a spreadsheet-like
window. You use the scroll bar or the buttons on the navigation bar to move
through the records.
Title bar
Menu
Column
header
Current
record
Go to first record
Go to last record
Go to previous
record
Go to next record
The table grid in the Data View contains the following elements:
Grid header
Record header
Grid cell
You can select single and multiple records and make any record current.
179
Formatting Columns
You can move and resize the Data View as you would any standard window.
In addition, you can change the width of the columns and customize column
formatting.
If you have columns that you want to remain visible at all times, no matter where you scroll in the Data View, freeze the columns. The selected columns move and become the left-most columns in the Data View. They are
frozen in that position and do not scroll off the screen.
If you dont want to display or print columns, hide the columns. The columns remain part of the database, and you can redisplay them at any
time.
You can sort the records in a table based on a single column or on multiple
columns.
You can sort in ascending order (1, 2, 3, ..., A, B, C, ...) or in descending order
(Z, Y, X, ..., 9, 8, 7, ...).
If you sort based on multiple columns, you can select ascending or descending order for each column. For example, you might select the Street Name
column to be sorted in ascending order, and the Property Value column to be
sorted in descending order. These selections would produce a table in which
the records are sorted alphabetically by street name; and within each street
grouping, properties are sorted by value, with the most expensive listed first.
180
You can filter, or limit, the data displayed in the Data View. Filters let you
view only the records you want. This can improve performance in scrolling
through many records or in highlighting records. You can filter your data in
the following two ways:
You can use SQL filters and spatial filters individually, or you can combine
them. If you define both a SQL filter and a spatial filter, the Data View displays only those records that match both filters.
You can edit a table in the Data View as you would any database table. You
can add or delete records, or edit a records values. You can also search a particular column for occurrences of a specific value or find and replace data
within the current column. To edit the values in the table, you must have the
proper user permissions, and you must have opened the table in Edit mode.
You can print the active table. Before you print, you can set print options. If
you have filters in effect, only the records that match the filter are printed.
You can copy the contents of the Data View to the Windows Clipboard and
paste it into an external program, such as Microsoft Excel, using the standard
Windows Copy and Paste commands.
The data is inserted into the external program in tab-delimited format.
You can also export a report of records that are linked to selected objects in
your drawing.
181
182
You establish the association between the object and the database table by
creating a link, which points to one or more records stored in the table. Once
this link exists, you can use the information in the database to select objects
in the drawing or find all records in the database that are linked to selected
objects in the drawing. Using the Autodesk Map query feature, you can also
create SQL conditions that retrieve objects based on linked data in the table
and combine them with other types of conditions, such as object property or
location conditions. For more information, see Chapter 14, Using Queries
to Analyze Data.
Note AutoCAD Map Release 1 through AutoCAD Map Release 3 communicated with external databases using ASE (AutoCAD SQL Environment). Beginning with AutoCAD Map 2000, the program uses Microsoft Windows standards
for communicating with a database.
If you are using drawings from a previous release of Autodesk Map, be sure to
look up database tables, migrating in the Autodesk Map online Help Index.
When you create a link, the information about that link is stored on the
object in the drawing. If you move or copy the object, the link data is moved
or copied with it. If you delete the object, the link information is also deleted.
However, deleting the object and its link information does not affect the data
in the table.
You can view the link data attached to an object, modify the link data value
for an object, or delete links from an object. You can also export links, which
creates a report of all the records linked to selected objects in your drawing.
Whenever you open a drawing that includes database links, Autodesk Map
automatically creates a database link index and keeps it in memory. This feature is especially useful when you edit your source drawings directly. To save
this database index in the drawing, select Options from the Tools menu, and
then click the System tab. Select the Store Links Index In Drawing File
option.
183
Create a link template that specifies which data source, table, and column
to check. The column is called the key column. Ideally, a key column has a
unique value for each record.
The link template is stored in the project drawing and appears in the
Project Workspace. You can edit link templates, delete them from a
project, and import them into or export them from a project. For information about link templates, refer to the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
For example, suppose you have a drawing of a county and a database of tourist information that lists the hotels in the county, including the hotel ID, the
name of the hotel, the town in which the hotel is located, and the room rate.
You want to link buildings in the drawing to the appropriate records in the
table.
You create a link template that includes the name of the data source and the
table, and specifies Hotel_ID as the key column. Use Hotel_ID as the key
column because each value in the column is unique. You can then create a
link between a specific building in the drawing and the appropriate record in
the table.
The link data stored on the object has two parts: the name of the link template to use (which specifies where to look) and the actual value (which specifies what to look for). For example, the Hotel_LT link template in the example below tells Autodesk Map to look in the Hotels data source and the Location table and check the Hotel_ID column. The value part of the link
data tells Autodesk Map to look for the value WA024.
Once the link has been established, the object is linked to the whole record,
not just that key column. In the example on the next page, the hotel ID was
used to create a link between the data source record and the drawing object.
But the object is linked to all the columns in the record. So you can search
for all the hotels in Fairfax and highlight them in your drawing.
184
Unique value in
key column
Hotel_LT
Link
Template
Hotel_LT
WA024
Data
Source
Table
Key
Column
Hotels
Location
Hotel_ID
Hotel_ID
Name
Location
WA024
Hotel
Christopher
Fairfax
WA016
Megans Inn
Fairfax
WA045
Redwood Lodge
San Francisco
You can link more than one record in the table to an object. Also, you can
link a single record in the table to more than one object.
Connect objects and records manually, one object and one record at a
time. See Linking Data to Objects Manually in the following section.
Create links while digitizing. See Linking Data to Objects While Digitizing on page 186.
Convert existing object data to linked external database tables. See Converting Object Data to External Database Tables on page 188.
185
You can select a specific record in your table to link with a specific object in
your drawing.
For example, you might want to link a record with a specific key field value
with the drawing object identified by the same number. See Linking Database Records to Drawing Objects on page 182 for an illustration.
District table
District Name
Population
Schools
Code
Northwest
15254
NW
Northeast
2469
NE
Southwest
10957
SW
Southeast
16637
SE
You can create a link between the text printed in the drawing and the matching text in the database table record.
You use the Attach Data option in the Digitize Setup dialog box to attach data
in an external database to objects as you digitize. You can select one link template for nodes and another for links. Before you begin this process, be sure
the link templates already exist.
When you begin digitizing, Autodesk Map will prompt you for a key value
for each object. The database validation option you select determines what
happens as you enter a value for each digitized object.
186
After you link your database records to objects in your drawing, you can
highlight objects in the drawing that are linked to selected records in the
database table.
You can set options to have Autodesk Map automatically highlight objects
linked to the records you select, automatically zoom in on highlighted
objects, or automatically create a selection set of highlighted objects.
After you link your database records to objects in your drawing, you can
highlight records in the database table that are linked to selected objects in
the drawing.
You can navigate through all highlighted records using the options on the
Data View Highlight menu or using the highlighted records toolbar that
appears on the right side of the Data View.
Highlight color
Highlighted records toolbar
187
188
Part 3
Analyzing Data
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
189
190
14
In this chapter
Understanding queries
Defining queries
Understanding indexing
Editing queries
Executing queries
queried objects
Saving queries
Troubleshooting
191
Understanding Queries
Online Help Index
queries
A query uses a set of conditions to search the active source drawings, select
the objects that match the set of conditions you specify, and place the
retrieved objects in the project drawing.
When you define a query, you set the criteria for selecting objects. Queries
retrieve objects based on the criteria. You can use four types of criteria: location, property, data, and SQL.
LocationUse the location in the source drawing. For example, use a location query to retrieve all the buildings within a circular region that you
specify.
You can also use combinations of these query types to create compound queries.
Note Only objects in the Model Tab (model space) are queried. Objects from
the Layout Tab (paper space) are ignored.
If you plan to use SQL information, you must first connect to the data source.
See Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External Databases. For information on queries based on topology data, see Querying Topology Data on
page 218.
192
Defining Queries
After you define the query you can execute it immediately or save it in the
Query Library. See Executing Queries on page 202, Saving Queries on
page 206, and Using Saved Queries on page 207.
Note When querying non indexed drawings, Autodesk Map displays a status
message as it processes each drawing.
Location conditions retrieve objects in a specified location in the source drawings. The location can be relative to a specific point or drawing element, or
within a specified area. For example, you can search for objects that lie
within a given radius of a specified point or within a given distance on either
side of a specified line.
The Location Condition dialog box provides a number of ways to specify the
location you want to query. The following illustration shows some of them.
The objects shown in dashed lines are retrieved by the specified location
query. Objects shown in solid lines are not retrieved by the specified location
query.
Buffer fence
Circle
Fence
Point
Polygon
Window
Defining Queries
193
You can use wild-card characters to enter values for the following properties:
Block Name, Color, Object Type, Group, Layer, Linetype, Text Style, and Feature Class.
Note If you query against Object Type and click Values, although you have a
raster image in an attached drawing you might not see IMAGE listed in the Select
dialog box. You must have an Image command loaded. You do not need to
attach an image. Simply exit the query dialog boxes and choose Image Manager
from the Insert menu. In the Image Manager dialog box, click OK. Then define
the query again.
When you click OK, the property query you just defined appears under Current Query in the Define Query dialog box.
If the property query you define uses text values, you can set an option to
specify case-sensitive text.
194
SQL conditions retrieve information from external databases. You can use
information stored in external Structured Query Language (SQL) databases to
specify the set of objects you want to retrieve. For example, if a database table
stores information on supplier, owner, and cost of furniture in a set of drawings, you can define a query to show all chairs purchased from a specific supplier.
For more information about connecting to external databases and editing
information in external databases, see Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in
External Databases.
Defining Queries
195
Once you link objects to information in the database, you can retrieve
objects based on that information. Autodesk Map supports standard SQL
syntax as formally defined in the ISO/IEC 9075 standard, 1992. However, you
dont have to know SQL syntax to create a SQL condition; instead, you use
the SQL Link Condition dialog box to create the SQL conditions (criteria) for
your query. You choose the column you want to search, enter a value, and
specify how the data in the column should match that value. For example,
you might specify that the data be equal to the value, or be greater than or
less than the value.
Note Queries are used to retrieve objects from source drawings. They do not
apply to objects that are already in the project drawing. For this reason, you can
query data linked to objects in an active source drawing, not data linked to
objects in the project drawing.
196
Defining Queries
197
The following illustrations describe how And, Or, and Not join single query
conditions into compound query conditions.
A
A Or Ball objects in
either A or B
If you have more than two conditions in a compound query, you can group
conditions using parentheses to specify how Autodesk Map should evaluate
them. If you dont group conditions, Autodesk Map gives precedence to the
following operators:
This means that when Autodesk Map evaluates a query containing both an
And operator and an Or operator, the program performs the And operation
before it performs the Or operation. For example, you might use the following query:
AND
198
Autodesk Map retrieves objects in this order: objects that meet the two conditions joined by And (objects that are in or crossing the specified circle and
are also on the SEWER layer); objects that meet the condition joined by Or
(objects on the VALVE layer).
If you group the conditions in the above query, you could create the
following query:
AND
Autodesk Map evaluates the grouped conditions first. In the previous example, it retrieves all the objects that are in or crossing the specified circle and
that are also on either the SEWER or the VALVE layer. Therefore, even though
Autodesk Map gives precedence to the And operator over the Or operator,
Autodesk Map evaluates the conditions joined by Or first, because they are
grouped.
You can create a nested group, which is a group within a group. The following
sample query illustrates a nested group.
AND
To make a group, you must select at least two conditions. You cannot group
conditions that are part of other groups without first ungrouping them.
Defining Queries
199
Understanding Indexing
Autodesk Map executes most queries more quickly if you create indexes.
Instead of searching all location, property, object data, or database links to
find matching data, Autodesk Map searches only the relevant index. You can
create indexes for Location, Property, Data, and SQL queries. However, creating indexes takes time and disk space. To find out if creating an index would
be useful, create one; if it doesnt significantly improve performance, remove
it from the drawing file. Autodesk Map stores indexes in the source drawing
file. You must have write permission for the drawing file if you want to create
indexes.
Note With queries that involve all or almost all the objects in a drawing, for
example, a Location All query, indexing does not improve performance.
As you query, edit, and save back over time, indexes can degenerate causing
a loss of performance. If you execute queries that previously ran faster but
now run more slowly than you expect, regenerate the index. You should see
an improvement in performance.
200
Creating Indexes
Online Help Index
You need to create an index for the type of query you plan to execute.
EEDOrganizes Extended Entity Data (EED) attached to objects in drawings created in AutoCAD Data Extension(ADE) 1.0. You cannot create
EED in Autodesk Map 2004.
After you generate an object data index, a status message appears beside each
indexed field name. The status Current means that the object data index
on that field is valid and consistent with the attached object data. The status
Out-of-Date means that the object data index on that field is not consistent
with the attached object data. An index could become out-of-date if you
modify objects without first loading Autodesk Map.
Note When you create an index, you may receive a warning message to the
effect that Autodesk Map Cant calculate object extents. This indicates that a
third-party application might have created the object and that the application is
not loaded, or the object may not support the geometric extents methodology
of Autodesk Map.
Understanding Indexing
201
Removing Indexes
Online Help Index
indexes, creating for
drawings
If you create an index, Autodesk Map updates the index each time you
change the drawing and saves it back to the source drawing. If you dont need
the index, you can remove it to reduce drawing size and to reduce the time
it takes to perform the save back operation.
Editing Queries
When you edit a query, you can modify a condition but you cannot change
its type (location, property, data, or SQL). If you want a different query condition type, you must delete the existing condition and define a new one.
You can also change the joining operator (And, Or, Not) for a condition.
Executing Queries
Online Help Index
queries, running
After you define a query you can execute it in Preview, Draw, or Report mode.
Preview mode verifies that the query will retrieve the objects you need by
simply displaying them instead of copying them into the project.
Draw mode retrieves the objects and copies them into the project so you
can edit them.
Report mode generates an ASCII file that contains the results of the query.
After you execute a query, the query definition remains as the current query
in the current mode. You can execute the query in other modes, edit the
query, or save the query in the Query Library or to a file for later use.
Once Autodesk Map copies the objects that meet the query criteria into the
project, it does not duplicate those objects if you run the query again. If an
object meets the criteria of more than one query, Autodesk Map retrieves
only one copy of that object. Therefore, you will never have multiple copies
of the same object in a project. You can query objects only in the Model Tab,
not in the Layout Tab.
Note Before you execute a query you should adjust the project extents to
match the extents of the source drawings you are querying. For information, see
Zooming the Project Extents on page 29.
202
Executing Queries
203
Event listsYou can list the number of burglaries in a zone or the repairs
to light standards over a set period of time.
Well locations and groundwater featuresYou can list toxicity and chemical levels.
204
Using the property alteration feature, you can modify many of the properties
of queried objects as they are queried into the project drawing without
affecting source drawings. Whether you are creating a presentation for others
or retrieving queried objects for your own use, you can modify object properties such as color, linetype, or polyline width, or added text, to present
information more clearly. For example, you might have a set of city maps
that show roads as black polylines of the same width. You can plot a map for
a contractor that shows the roads to be repaired in red and roads to be
inspected in blue. You can alter the width of the polylines to show road
widths. You can also add text to identify elements of your drawing.
Property alteration involves the following three general steps:
Autodesk Map performs the query, applies the property alteration definition
to the queried objects, and displays the modified objects in the project.
If you want your project drawing to include additional objects that are unaltered or altered in a different way, remember that the order in which you run
the queries is very important. A query will not retrieve objects from source
drawings if those objects are already in the project drawing, so the second
query you run will not retrieve objects that were retrieved by the first query.
For example, if you have a set of maps that display all the roads in the county
and you want to color the roads that need to be repaved, first run a property
alteration query to retrieve the roads that need to be repaved and color them
red. Then run a second query to retrieve all objects (using a Location:ALL
condition). Because the roads that need to be repaved have already been
retrieved, the second query will retrieve everything except those roads.
You can define various types of property alterations. A simple property alteration modifies every retrieved object in the same way. For example, you
could change the color of every queried object to red. To do this, simply enter
a value in the Expression box.
205
An advanced property alteration lets you specify how to alter the selected
property based on specified characteristics of the object. For example, you
could define a query that retrieved all the lines that represent roads in your
map, then specify that every line with a thickness of greater than .5 be colored red while all other retrieved lines be colored black. You can also use data
attached to the object to determine the modification. For example, if the
roads have object data attached to them that specifies the pavement type,
you could specify that every line with an attached value of gravel be drawn
with a dotted line, while roads with an attached value of paved be drawn
with a solid line.
You can use one or more of the following types of information to create a
property alteration definition:
Saving Queries
If you plan to use a query more than once, you can save it.
Query categories allow you to organize your queries within a project. You
assign a query to a category when you save it. You can change a querys category at any time, and add, delete, and rename categories.
You can save the query with the project in the Query Library or to an external
file. External queries are easy to share with other users. If you save the query
to an external file you can specify a number of additional settings.
If you save the query with the project, you can modify it from within
Autodesk Map. If you save the query to a file, it is saved as an AutoLISP
script. Using a text editor, you can modify an external query file and include
AutoLISP API commands. For more information, refer to Using the API
Editing Query Files in the online AutoLISP/ADSRX Help (AcMapAds.chm, in
the Autodesk Map 2004/Help folder).
206
Note Do not set Auto Execute in the Save Current Query dialog box if you
want to modify a saved external query before executing it.
Troubleshooting
Online Help Index
queries, problem solving
Several issues can arise when you retrieve blocks, text, externally referenced
drawings (xrefs), groups, and hatch patterns from drawings. For information
about resolving these issues, refer to the online help.
Troubleshooting
207
208
15
In this chapter
geographic analysis
Topology applications
209
210
Best RouteThe best path to travel from a starting point, to one or more
visit points, and back to the starting point.
For all types of network tracing, you can specify a direction and resistance for
any link in the network. The direction specifies the direction of movement
allowed for the link in a network topology. By default, each link has a bidirectional direction. The resistance specifies the difficulty in traversing the
link. The default resistance is the length of the link.
Network tracing works with a loaded network topology only. You can create
a new network topology from the tracing. See Topology Applications on
page 221.
Using a network topology, you can calculate the shortest path between two
points or determine the optimal route based on values of direction and resistance. This process is known as a shortest path trace analysis.
In a street network, for example, you might find the shortest path between a
fire station and a school.
To analyze a network with a time factor, you need to assign a speed or speed
limit to each link using an object data field or a field in a linked external database. You then set the Direct Resistance parameter.
For a complete example of tracing between two points in a street network,
refer to Tutorial 5 of the online Autodesk Map Tutorials. To open the tutorials, choose Tutorials from the Help menu.
You can calculate the best route from a starting point, to one or more visit
points, and back to the starting point. Autodesk Map determines the optimal
route based on values of direction and resistance.
For example, in a street network, you can find the best route to travel when
visiting several customer sites from your hotel.
211
To analyze a network with a time factor, you need to assign a speed or speed
limit to each link using an object data field or a field in a linked external database. You then set the Direct Resistance parameter.
Note The resistance values of the links in the network topology must be
greater than or equal to zero in order to perform a best route calculation. In addition, a best route cannot be calculated if all resistance values equal 0 (or use
expressions that evaluate to zero). In layman's terms, if all resistance values equal
zero, every possible route is as good as any other route, and there is no best
route to travel.
If you save the results of a best route analysis to a new topology, Autodesk
Map adds topology information, stored as object data, on each element that
makes up the best route topology. The object data table contains information
about the order of the links visited and the resistance used to calculate the
best route. The object data table added is like the one shown in the following
table.
Topology Name
SAMPLE
BR_SAMPLE
212
This process is known as network flood trace analysis. To trace out from a point
in all directions, you specify the point where the network starts and the maximum distance the network can traverse. The analysis determines how many
links and nodes can be travelled before the accumulated resistance exceeds
the specified maximum resistance. For example, you might want to find all
restaurants within a 10-minute walk of a hotel.
You can use flood trace analysis to check the integrity of a network topology.
If some links are not flooded, the topology is incomplete; you can use the
map editing tools to correct the geometry, and then recreate the topology.
213
Nodes in topology
Polygon topology
Network topology
Polygon topology
214
ID
1
2
3
4
Soil
Gravel
Gravel
Sand
Sand
Bedrock
Granite
Sandstone
Sandstone
Slate
Granite
Sandstone
Slate
You can later dissolve the topology into its constituent polygons using the
Dissolve feature. Dissolving a topology makes data management easier
because you can break out a single element to its original form for data sharing, selected projects, or other analysis. For more information, see Dissolving Topologies on page 219. Also see the online help and Dissolving Polygons on page 219.
215
To overlay two topologies, both must be loaded into the current drawing. To
load the topologies from the current drawing or from attached source drawings into the current drawing, right-click the topology name in the Project
Workspace and choose Administration Load Topology from the shortcut
menu.
When you overlay topologies, a new topology is created containing the
results. If you want, you can include object data or data from a linked database from the source and overlay topologies in the resulting topology. You
can also choose to highlight the resulting topology onscreen when its created. You remove the highlighting by typing REGEN or REDRAW on the
command line.
Buffer Analysis
Online Help Index
topology, buffering
Using buffer analysis, or buffering, you can easily identify objects within a
specified offset of elements in node, network, and polygon topologies. A
buffer is a zone that is drawn around a topology. For example, you might
specify a buffer on either side of a river to show the extent of a flood plain.
For buffering, you create a new polygon topology from an existing node, network, or polygon topology and specify a buffer offset. If you want, you can
also highlight the new topology onscreen when its created. You remove the
highlighting by typing REGEN or REDRAW on the command line.
216
The following illustration shows how buffer analysis functions with different
topologies.
Buffering Point Topologies
buffer offset
buffer offset
Buffering Polygon Topologies
217
A topology query allows you to retrieve a loaded topology and its associated
data from the active project or an attached drawing. You can also query part
of a topology in a source drawing and work on that part of the topology without having to retrieve all the objects that make up the topology.
You can use a topology query when working with topologies only, or when
you want to select one topology to query. Use a standard query for nontopology or mixed data. Combining object property and topology queries may
give unpredictable results.
You can use all four types of query conditions:
Location
Property
Data
SQL
There are three differences between using standard queries and topology queries:
Topology queries work with only one topology; standard queries work
with all objects in the attached drawings.
When you use a topology query, you can hold the retrieved information in
the active project in three types of topology:
218
Dissolving Topologies
Online Help Index
topology, dissolving
You can break a polygon or network topology into its constituent elements
by dissolving a topology. You select a Dissolve By field to define the process.
The Dissolve By field can be an object data variable or a column in a linked
external database. Data is broken down into the lowest common denominator.
When you dissolve a topology, a new topology is created containing the
results. If you want, you can also choose to highlight the resulting topology
onscreen when its created. You remove the highlighting by typing REGEN or
REDRAW on the command line.
Dissolving Polygons
The dissolving polygons option checks each boundary between polygons to
see if the Dissolve By field value is the same for both. If so, the boundary and
one of the centroids are removed. All object data fields except for the dissolve
and any new topology fields are removed as shown in the following illustration.
1
2
Dissolve
on Soil
4
ID
1
2
3
4
ID Soil
1 Gravel
2 Sand
Soil
Gravel
Gravel
Sand
Sand
Bedrock
Granite
Slate
Sandstone
Mudstone
219
ID
1
2
3
4
5
River
Agua Fria
Grande
Caliente
Grande
Grande
Depth
97
204
42
351
363
ID
1
2
3
4
River
Agua Fria
Grande
Caliente
Grande
If adjacent lines do not contain the Dissolve By field, the node is not dissolved and the resulting polyline has a blank value for that field.
220
Topology Applications
This section contains examples of the use of topology in spatial and geographic analysis for help in planning and decision making. Many applications of topology and topology analysis involve some elements of node, network, and polygon topology.
A river drainage is a tree type network with more branches the further
upstream you go. River junctions are nodes, but generally these nodes are
not identified or used. Every segment of a river drainage has a distinct flow
direction.
A sewer network is very much like a river or drainage system, with singledirection downstream flow. Unlike a river, however, there are many
explicit nodes where manholes are located. Some of these nodes occur at
junctions, but many occur within a segment of pipe to provide service
access.
You can specify flow direction in all these cases. Other applications of network topology include street plans, oil pipelines, and electrical, telephone,
storm drainage, and gas networks.
Street Networks
A street network has many loops and interconnections, and most of the segments are bidirectional. However, there are segments that are one way and
allow traffic flow in only one direction.
Every street segment can be stored as a link with nodes at street intersections,
and because a link has direction, you can define the direction of each street
segment. You can also define information about flow along that segment as
a resistance.
Topology Applications
221
This resistance information is stored as object data, so you can reference a different object data table to view resistance at different times of day. Information on streets (links) is stored at a given intersection (node). The network
topology is used for shortest-path trace and best route analysis.
Note To carry out network path trace, best route, and flood trace analysis on
a road network based on time rather than distance, you need to define an object
data table and a field containing data for each street.
City blocks, which are formed by the surrounding streets. (Census data
often includes information on which block is on the left and which is on
the right on each city street.)
Watersheds, which are the drainage areas for sets of streams and rivers,
represent a dividing line between different drainage systems.
Emergency Services
An emergency call is received by a radio dispatcher, who locates the address
of the caller. The dispatcher needs to determine the reporting district of the
address, and uses street information stored as a polygon topology. The polygons define each reporting district, and the topology allows you to locate the
polygon (for example, the left side of the street points to the polygon on the
left side) based on the street segment (matching an address to a street segment side). Once the district is determined, the dispatcher uses the street network to determine the fastest way to get from the emergency center to the
caller by using shortest-path tracing.
222
Part 4
Displaying and Presenting
Maps
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Plotting Maps
223
224
16
In this chapter
a physical area, for example, the distribution of population across a country or the distribution of property val-
thematic queries
Creating advanced thematic
maps
225
You use a thematic query to retrieve the objects that you want to alter for
your map. To include other, unaltered, objects in your map, for example rivers, unmodified roads, or other landmarks, you can also define and run a
standard query.
226
The following thematic map shows the land use type associated with each
polygon by using modified shadings. This map also includes unmodified
streams and rivers that were retrieved by a standard query.
Do not include too much data in your thematic maps. They lose effectiveness
when they become cluttered and overwhelming. It is better to produce two
or more maps showing a series of features than to include everything on one
map.
The Thematic Wizard provides the fastest and most convenient way to
create thematic maps. The wizard steps you through the process of selecting a data source, specifying how to display the data, and creating a legend. You can create a thematic map based on either objects or topology.
You access the wizard from the Thematic Manager, which provides a central location in the project workspace for viewing and organizing thematic
maps. When you open Map, you will see the Thematic tab in the Project
Workspace. Clicking the tab opens the Thematic Manager and gives you
access to any themes that have been created and stored in the drawing.
227
The Thematic Query option on the Map menu provides similar features to
the wizard. You can run more than one thematic query, and you can combine thematic queries with standard queries. See Creating Advanced Thematic Maps on page 232.
The Property Alteration option of the Define Query command lets you
produce more complex thematic maps.
You can specify objects only by location, by layer, and by block attributes.
You cannot specify the objects you retrieve for the map based on object
data, external data, or properties.
When specifying the objects you retrieve, you can combine the criteria
using only the AND operator, that is, objects must meet all selected criteria. You cannot combine criteria using OR and NOT combinations.
When selecting the data to use for the object modification, you can select
only one SQL expression, object data value, or property. You cannot use
multiple data sources.
If you modify the objects by adding text, you can add only static text for
each range. That is, you can add a specific text string to all the objects that
fall within that range. You cannot add variable text that is based on object
properties or on data stored in an object data table or an external database
table.
You can add only one line of text per object. You cannot add multiple
lines.
228
You can set a query option to specify how blocks and text are retrieved if you
limit by location. You can specify that a block or text object should be
retrieved if either its insertion point lies within the query area or its bounding box lies within the query area.
For more information on specifying a location condition, see Finding
Objects Based on Location on page 193.
Keep in mind that while all objects in the selected location, layer, and block
will appear in the thematic map, the objects will be modified only if they fall
into one of the categories you define for the display parameters.
Specify the display property you want to change for the object. For example, you can change the color, fill, line format, or symbol for the object,
or you can add text to the object.
Continuous data is data where the data can be any value along a continuum, such as property value, temperature, or population. When you display this type of data, you define ranges for the values. For example, you
could divide property values into three ranges: 0 to $50,000, $50,000 to
$100,000, and over $100,000.
Optionally, you can create a legend for your thematic map.
229
To create the previous map, the Thematic Expression used the SQL option to
specify the appropriate field and table for the groundwater data. The Display
Parameter is Symbol, and each range specified the block name, scale, and
color for the symbol, and the description to include in the legend. In the
resulting thematic map, the scale and color of the GWATER block is determined by the number of contaminated locations in the county.
230
The following map shows average traffic counts for roads in a city. Object
data is attached to each segment of the highway.
To create the previous map, the Objects of Interest were limited to the
STREETS layer. The Thematic Expression used the Data option to specify the
appropriate field and table for the traffic counts. The Display Parameter is
Line Format, and for each range the user has specified the linetype, width,
and color for the line.
In the following illustration, earthquake risk in the USA is shown by different
shading density.
231
The following map is a work order showing the street locations of valves that
need to be replaced with a newer version.
To create the previous map, a standard query was used to retrieve the streets.
Then a thematic query was used to retrieve the valve blocks. The Thematic
Expression used the Property option to specify Block Name. The Display
Parameter was Text and the range table had one line, specifying that blocks
named VALVE be annotated with the text string ID 4715.
This section provides some examples of advanced thematic maps you can
create using the wizard or the Property Alteration feature. For information on
creating queries, see Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze Data. See especially Altering the Properties of Queried Objects on page 205.
Note As with the Thematic Query feature, the Property Alteration feature does
not modify the original objects in the source drawings. It modifies only the copies of the objects that are retrieved into the project drawing. If you wish, you can
save these modifications back to the source drawings.
232
Here are some of the things you can do in advanced thematic maps:
When retrieving objects, you can combine conditions using the AND, OR,
and NOT operators. For example, you can retrieve objects that are on the
STREETS layer but are not limited access streets.
When you modify objects, you can modify more than one property of the
object. For example, you could change the color of the object and add
text, or you could move the object to a different layer, change its color,
and change its linetype.
If you add text to an object, the text can be customized for each object by
using values stored in an object data table or an external database table.
For example, if you stored parcel ID numbers in an external database table,
you could add the parcel ID number to each parcel in the map. You can
add multiple lines of text to an object.
The following illustration shows a well with object data identifying a reference number, water depth, and aquifer type.
Note The default insertion point for text property alteration is the text label
point, which is the midpoint of a linear object or center of an arc or circle. For
more information, see Defining Text Insertion Points on page 136.
You can save a query for later use. When you next use the query, you can,
if you wish, edit the conditions or the property alterations.
If you save the query to an external file, you can share the query with
other projects and other users. You then need to edit the query using a text
editor. You can also add other expressions and AutoLISPAPI commands
to the file. See Saving Queries on page 206 for more information.
233
234
Plotting Maps
17
In this chapter
maps
later use.
235
Understanding Layouts
Autodesk Map uses a feature called layouts to make plotting easier. Layouts
simulate working on a sheet of paper and show views of your drawing as it
would look within the printable area of the paper. A layout displays what will
actually be printed, reducing the need for time-consuming plot checks. The
layout also stores settings for the page setup, including plot device, print
area, rotation, plot offset, paper size, and scale. You specify these settings
when you create the layout. For more information about layouts, refer to
Creating a Layout to Plot in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
You can also save output device and page setup settings as named page setups. When you are ready to plot, you can specify a named page setup. You
can apply different named page setups to the same layout to achieve specific
results when plotting.
For example, to control scaling and paper size, you might create the sample
named page setups in the following table.
236
Description
NoScaling - Esheet
Scale1to2 - Csheet
Draft - Dsheet
Final - Dsheet
Scale-to-Fit - Asheet
You need to specify a page setup for the layout only oncewhen you create
the layout. You dont need to specify these settings again each time you plot.
If you want to plot the same layout more than one way or if you want to specify the same output options for several layouts, use named page setups.
You must completely define all four components before you start the Plot
Map Set function. The plot set information is stored in an object data table
in the active project. The following sections provide information about each
component.
The plot template block defines how each plot in the plot set is laid out. The
plot template block also acts as the title block (or title page) for a map. You
must define a plot template block before you define a plot set.
Each plot template block must contain at least one floating viewport in paper
space on a separate layer. You use floating viewports to contain different
views of your map. In paper space, you can treat floating viewports as objects
that you can move and resize to create a suitable layout. Refer to Working
in Paper Space and Creating Floating Viewports in Creating a Layout to
Plot in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
237
The plot template block can also include a secondary viewport, known as a
reference view, which is a viewport showing the boundaries of the pages in the
map book. The reference view should also be on a separate layer.
Reference viewport
showing map sheet
boundaries
Main, floating
viewport
The block should include all the map annotation you want to plot: scale bar,
legend, table of symbols, north arrow, and so on.
You can use an existing title block as a plot template block, but the title block
must meet the following criteria:
If there is more than one floating viewport, the main viewport must be on a
specified unique layer. The title block must be defined in the current drawing
used to create the plot set. You need to draw your title block in paper space
with the model space viewport.
For more information about using paper space and floating viewports, refer
to Creating a Layout to Plot in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
238
queries, library
In all these cases, you can execute a query in Preview mode to check that the
data you query is the data you require. See Saving Queries on page 206.
To plot a large mapped area at a large scale, you can divide a map into a tiled
series of maps used as a map book or atlas.
The Plot Map Set function requires predefined boundaries in a separate drawing file. Each plot boundary must be a closed two-dimensional polyline,
identified by a name stored as object data on a specified layer. You can use
one of the following methods to define a set of 2D polylines:
PLINE command
BOUNDARY (BPOLY) command
Create Closed Polylines command on the Topology menu
Define a new object data table; then create object data for each polyline
and attach the data.
See Defining Object Data Tables on page 166 and Attaching Object
Data to Objects on page 167.
Create text in a drawing, or use existing text or block attributes as the basis
for object data. Then attach the object data to the 2D polylines.
The Generate Links command attaches existing text as object data to objects.
From the Map menu, choose Database Generate Links. You can create the
polylines by querying information from attached drawings into the active
project. You need to create a new object data table and use text as object data
values, and then attach the data to the polylines.
239
First, you need to specify the block to use as the plot template block, the layer
containing the viewport for the map, whether to use a reference view, and
the layer holding that viewport.
You must choose the drawings you want to include in the plot set. Do not
select the attached boundary drawing. If any of the drawings you want to
plot are not active, you can select the Activate Drawings At Plot Time option.
240
The next step is to retrieve the data that you want to plot from the source
drawings. If you select more than one query, the queries are combined with
an AND operator.
Next, you choose the boundaries of the map sheets for the new plot set.
If the boundary drawing is not already attached to the project, you can attach
it at the same time that you select it.
If you want to use object data from the boundary file in the title block, see
the following section, Mapping Object Data to the Title Block.
When you complete the Boundary Object Data, you can select boundaries
from the external file.
Finally, you specify the plot set options that control the appearance of the
plot. The plot set options control the actual plotting of the data defined by
the previous options. The following sections explain the various options.
All the information you set here and in the foregoing procedures is stored in
the plot set definition. When you click OK in the Plot Set Definition dialog
box, the settings are saved to the current plot set name.
241
Defined map
boundaries
Plotted area
(includes map buffer)
242
The True option specifies an offset of an existing plot boundary line; Rectilinear offsets the minimum bounding rectangle for a map boundary polyline.
Rectilinear boundary
True boundary
Map extents
Linear or edge objects, such as lines, polylines, and arcs, break into two
objects.
Objects with a defined insertion point, such as text, blocks, and hatch, are
placed in a map area according to the location of their insertion points.
Reference View Layers To DisplayUse this option if you selected Reference View Layer in the Plot Template Block dialog box. You can display
the objects used for the map boundaries and major features, such as roads
or coastlines with this option, but keep in mind that too many objects create a cluttered, unclear view.
For more explanation, see Selecting the Plot Template Block on page
240.
Main View Layers To FreezeThe main view layer holds the viewport definition. You can freeze this layer so an artificial boundary does not appear
on the plotted map. You can also freeze layers holding details with such
fine high scale that the plot would be fuzzy or unclear.
243
Note The direction in which you draw the line affects the orientation of the
text. The lines in the preceding illustration were drawn in a clockwise direction
starting in the top left corner.
For example, the linetype definition for the 500 contour in the illustration is
added to a .lin file and assigned to a layer:
*500_Contour,----500----500----500----500
A,1,-.2,["500",STANDARD,S=.1,R=0.0,X=-0.1,Y=-.05],-.25
244
The map should be made up of elements of nearly equal size with no features dominating the map. Text size should be neither too small to be read
nor so large that the text dominates or obscures features.
If the map covers more than one sheet, there should be a 35 percent overlap between sheets. Text labels, such as town or feature names, should be
in the same relative position on each sheet.
Use different symbols (blocks) to represent different features or landmarks, such as hospitals, churches, and cemeteries. Draw symbols at an
appropriate scale so they are legible and do not obscure other data.
Do not use too many colors or the map becomes too bright and the colors
dominate. Try to use only four colors.
Do not try to present too much data on the map. Maps are more effective
when they show topics clearly. If you have a great deal of data to draw,
consider making two or more maps.
Complete legend showing all symbols used on the map and their meanings, not obscuring map data
North arrow
Source of the map data, including the base map and source of added
details
245
The following optional items greatly help the presentation and analysis of
map information:
Legible road names positioned in the center of the road or offset from the
center, and drawn at suitable intervals
Coordinate annotation and a border along the outside of the map area
Grid lines of the coordinate system
Hatch filling of closed polygonal features, such as lakes
Placing Text
Online Help Index
246
Glossary
This glossary contains definitions for mapping terms. If the term you are
looking for is not here, you may find it in the online glossary of drawing terms.
ADE query
API
aspect ratio
attribute data Text data that describes the characteristics of map objects. Attribute data
is stored in tables and databases, which are linked to selected drawing objects. Compare
with spatial data, block attribute, and data element. See also external data and
object data.
ASE (AutoCAD SQL Environment) In previous versions of Autodesk Map, provided
links to data in external database management systems. These links are now handled
using data source connections.
azimuth The angle between a base line radiating from a center point and another line
radiating from the same point. Normally the base line points north, and measurements
are made clockwise from the base line.
block attribute
Boolean operator The logical operators used to join conditions in a query or expression, named for the logic algebra devised by nineteenth-century mathematician George
Boole. See also intersection and union.
buffer
buffer fence A fence, or line, at a specified distance from a center line. Used to define a
selection boundary.
Cartesian coordinate system A coordinate system defined using three perpendicular
axes (X, Y, and Z) to specify locations in three-dimensional space. Compare with spherical
coordinate system.
cartographic coordinate system A coordinate system that is referenced directly to an
ellipsoid. Compare with geodetic coordinate system.
catalog For some SQL database systems, the alias for the path that contains
subdirectories for database files. See also schema.
cell The specific data value in the box where a row and a column in a database table
intersect. See also table.
centroid A point or block that is part of a polygon in a topology. The centroid holds
information about the polygons area and perimeter.
247
cleanup The process of using Map editing tools to remove errors and unnecessary data
from digitized, scanned, or imported maps before the data is used to create topology.
Cleanup is also useful before creating thematic maps.
color depth The amount of information stored with each pixel of a raster image to
define its color.
column A specific category of information in a table, such as Address or Diameter, also
called a field. In a grid, columns are displayed vertically. See also table.
conformal projection, conformality Conformal projections maintain local angles. A
map projection is conformal when the scale is the same in every direction at any point.
Meridians and parallels intersect at right angles; the shape of small areas and angles with
very short sides are preserved. Most larger area sizes are distorted.
conic projection A map projection in which the earths surface is drawn as it would
appear if projected on a cone wrapped around the earth. The Lambert Conformal Conic
is often used for maps of the continental United States, France, and other countries.
continuous data Data that can fall anywhere in a broad range. For thematic maps,
continuous data is usually organized into smaller ranges that show data trends. For
example, property value is continuous data that can be placed into the ranges 0 to
$50,000, $50,000 to $100,000, and over $100,000, with each range displayed in a different color. Compare with discrete data.
control points Locations with established latitude and longitude, and often elevation,
used for accuracy and precise location of maps. A system of geodetic control points covers the entire United States. Similar systems exist for all countries, such as Bench Marks
and Trigonometry Points in the United Kingdom. See also monuments.
coordinate system See global coordinate system.
cylindrical projection A map projection, in which the earths surface is drawn as it
would appear if projected on a cylinder wrapped around the earth in a north-south
direction. Compare with transverse cylindrical projection. See also Mercator projection
and conic projection.
dangle A link or line, one end of which lacks a connection to another link or node. See
also cleanup.
data element Information in an external file format, such as DGN, MIF, or SHP, which
provides additional textual information about features. See also attribute data.
data file
data source A UDL (universal data link) file that points to a collection of data and provides information on how to access the data.
data type The type of data that a field in a table can contain, such as text, date, Boolean, or long integer. The data type determines the type and range of values that can be
entered in the field, the amount of storage space available, and the amount of space allocated in the database to store the data. You specify the data type when you create the
field in the table.
database A table or a set of tables containing data related to a particular subject or purpose that is organized so that its contents can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
database connection Provides links to data in external database management systems
such as Access, dBASE, and Oracle.
248
Glossary
database driver The communication link between Autodesk Map and a database
management system. Typically, this is an OLE DB driver provided by the database vendor.
Database Management System (DBMS) A computer-based system or application
software used to create and maintain a database, for example, Access, dBASE, or Oracle.
database query A set of conditions for specifying the selection of records from a database. External database queries, also called joins and views, are created using your database software and can be run from the Project Workspace. When you run a database
query and view the results in the Data View, the data is not editable. Use a Data View
SQL filter to limit the records displayed in the Data View, while still being able to edit
the data. See also Map query.
datum A mathematical model that provides a smooth approximation of the earths
surface. Each datum includes both an ellipsoid, which specifies the size and shape of
the earth, and a base point for latitude and longitude. If two maps use different datums,
points on the map may not line up. Also called a geodetic coordinate system.
digitize To convert existing data from paper maps, aerial photos, or raster images into
digital form by tracing the maps on a digitizer. Object locations are recorded as X,Y coordinates.
discrete data Data that falls into explicit categories. For thematic maps, each value is
displayed differently. For example, an agricultural thematic map might show each crop
in a different color. Compare with continuous data.
display information A description of the appearance of a drawing object: includes
color, hatch pattern, line type, and so on.
dither To use a pattern of solid dots to simulate more colors than are actually available
when displaying images.
dot variable Variable that refers to an object property. It consists of a period (.) followed by the variable name for that property. Dot variables can be entered in expressions used for building a template file for Report mode queries and for property alteration. See also query and expression.
drawing cleanup The process of removing errors or unnecessary data from a digitized,
scanned, or imported map. See cleanup.
drawing set
edge matching A map cleanup function that allows for distortion between adjacent
maps, and produces a true match of objects at the edges of maps.
element (Oracle Spatial database) The basic building block of an Oracle Spatial
geometry. The supported spatial element types are points, line strings, and polygons.
For example, elements might model water wells (point clusters), roads (line strings), and
county boundaries (polygons).
ellipsoid An approximation of the earths shape that does not account for variations
caused by the nonuniform density of the earth. Synonymous with spheroid. See also
geoid.
environment An SQL environment contains the Database Management System
(DBMS), the databases it can access, and the users and programs that can access those
databases.
Glossary
249
equal area A map projection in which every part, as well as the whole, has the same
area as the corresponding part on the earth, at the same reduced scale. No flat map can
be equal area and represent true shape.
Equator The line of latitude drawn around the middle of the earth equidistant from
the North and South Poles, used as the origin for latitude measurements.
equidistant projections Projections showing true distances only from the center of
the projection or along a special set of lines. No flat map can be both equidistant and
equal area.
expression The statement you enter in the Expression box in the Output Report
Options dialog box or the Property Alteration dialog box. The expression directs
Autodesk Map in performing operations on queried objects.
expression evaluator The mechanism that analyzes the statement you enter in the
Expression box in the Output Report Options dialog box or the Property Alteration dialog box.
extents The smallest rectangle that contains all objects in a map, that is, the outermost
boundaries of the map.
external data Attribute data linked to a drawing object but contained in a database
apart from the drawing file. See also attribute data and object data.
features, geographic features
lines, and areas on a map.
field A specific category of information in a data file, such as Address or Diameter. Also
called a column. See also record and table.
field data type The format of data stored in a field, such as character or numeric.
field value
The value of a specific field for a specific record. See also field and record.
filtered record A record that matches the conditions of an SQL filter or spatial filter
and is therefore available for selection.
geodetic coordinate system A coordinate system that is referenced directly to a
datum. Compare with cartographic coordinate system.
geographic analysis Analytical techniques that identify existing conditions of a geographic location, a spatial area, or a linear network, as well as predict the effects of certain future events on these features.
geographic data
geoid An ellipsoid with a highly irregular surface used to describe the shape of the
earth. See also ellipsoid.
geometry (Oracle Spatial database) The representation of a spatial feature, modeled
as an ordered set of primitive elements.
geometry mapping The process of transforming the geometry elements of Autodesk
Map objects to Oracle Spatial geometry, and transforming the geometry elements of the
records back to Autodesk Map objects.
GIS (Geographic Information System) A computerized decision support system that
integrates geographic data, attribute data, and other spatially referenced data. A GIS is
used to capture, store, retrieve, analyze, and display spatial data.
250
Glossary
global coordinate system A method that converts the earths spherical coordinates
representing latitude and longitude into an Autodesk Map drawings Cartesian coordinate system, and accounts for the curvature of the earths surface with a projection. A
coordinate system is usually defined by a projection, an ellipsoid definition, a datum
definition, one or more standard parallels, and a central meridian.
hatch
intersection (expression) Two or more conditions joined with the logical operator
And. An item is selected only if the item meets all specified conditions. Compare with
union.
intersection (geometry) The location where one line, surface, or solid crosses another
so as to have one or more points in common.
join To link two or more tables in a relational database on the basis of a common item
or field. You create joins using your Database Management System (DBMS). You can
run joins from the Autodesk Map Project Workspace.
key column One or more columns in a table whose values are used to uniquely identify a record. To provide useful links, a key column should contain a unique value for
each record. Also called a key field.
key value A value stored on an object that specifies that value to match in the key
field of a table.
latitude The first part of a spherical coordinate system used to record positions on the
earths surface. Latitude indicates the angular distance north or south of the equator. See
also longitude.
legend
ues.
link (geometry) An element of geometry that connects nodes. In a polygon topology, a link defines a polygon edge. Links can contain vertices and true arcs, and can be
represented as a line, polyline, or arc. See also node.
link (external databases) The connection between a drawing object and its related
database data. The link data is stored on the linked drawing object and contains the
name of the link template and the key value used to identify the associated record in
the linked table. An object may have more than one link.
link template A data structure that contains the path information to a database table
and specifies one or more key fields in that table.
lock To make all or part of a disk file read-only so that it cannot be modified by other
users on a network. Object locking applies to objects that are being edited by another
user. File locking applies to entire files, for example when an AutoCAD user wants to
open a file while the file is in Autodesk Map editing mode.
logical operator A symbol such as And, Or, Not, =, >, >=, <, and <= used to define logical relationships. See also intersection, union, query, and Boolean.
longitude The second part of a spherical coordinate system used to record positions
on the earths surface. Longitude measures angular distance east or west of the prime
meridian, which runs through Greenwich, England. See also latitude.
Glossary
251
map An abstract representation of the physical features of a portion of the earths surface graphically displayed on a planar surface. Maps display signs, symbols, and spatial
relationships among the features. They typically emphasize, generalize, and omit certain
features from the display to meet design objectives. For example, railroad features might
be included in a transportation map but excluded from a highway map.
map cleanup The process of removing errors or unnecessary data from a digitized,
scanned, or imported map. See also cleanup.
map projection A systematic representation of a spherical body, such as the earth, in
a flat (planar) surface. Each map projection has specific properties that make it suitable
for specific mapping needs.
Map query A set of conditions that specify the selection of drawing objects from
source drawings. Conditions in a Map query can be based on the location or properties
of an object or on data stored in the drawing or in a linked database table. See also topology query and database query.
MDI (Multiple Document Interface) The ability to have more than one window
open in an application. In Autodesk Map, you can have multiple projects open at one
time. To switch between projects, click the Window menu and choose the project you
want. The Project Workspace displays information for the current project.
Mercator projection A map projection, designed by Gerhardus Mercator, in which
the earths surface is drawn as it would appear if projected on a cylinder wrapped around
the earth. See also cylindrical projection.
meridian A great circle passing through both poles, corresponding to a line of
longitude.
metadata Additional descriptive information about data, such as the data source,
extents, and degree of accuracy.
monuments Features with known coordinates, used to establish accurate and precise
location on a map. See also control points.
network topology A description of the spatial relationship between linear geographic
features (links and, sometimes, nodes). For example, a network topology can represent
pipelines, streets, electrical transmission lines, and rivers.
node A single point or a link end point or intersection in a topology. A node can be
represented as a block or point object.
node topology A description of the spatial relationship between geographic point features. Examples of node topologies include point sources of pollution and road signs.
normalizing In thematic mapping, the scaling of data values relative to another data
value. A common example is adjusting the thematic value based on the area, length, or
perimeter of the entity.
object data Attribute data attached to an object and stored in the drawing file. Compare with external data.
ODBC Open Database Connectivity, a standard API (Application Programming Interface) used to communicate with Database Management Systems (ODBC), developed
by Microsoft.
pan To move the active view up, down, or sideways to display areas in the map that,
at the current viewing scale, lie outside the window.
252
Glossary
parallel
plot template block An AutoCAD block that contains plotting information such as
title page text, plot layouts, legend, and other map annotations.
polygon A set of geometric links that form an enclosed area in a topology. Polygons
contain a centroid.
polygon topology A description of the spatial relationship between geographic area
features. Polygon topologies contain geometric links, nodes, and centroids. Examples of
polygon topologies are land use and land cover maps, political boundaries, parcels, and
soil types.
prime meridian The line of longitude drawn through Greenwich, England, used as
the origin for longitude measurements.
project A drawing file that includes links to a set of source drawings and other associated data such as saved queries, databases, link templates, and themes. You can open any
drawing file as either a project file or as a source drawing attached to a project.
Project Workspace Autodesk Map window that displays files and definitions available
in a project. The Project Workspace contains two tabs: Project and Thematic. The Project
tab displays attached source drawings, databases, queries, and link templates. The Thematic tab displays available themes and enables you to create new ones. You can resize
the Project Workspace window and place it where you want.
property alteration definition
ing a query.
pseudo node An unnecessary node in a geometric link. A pseudo node can be used to
store information about geographic point location or to represent change from one link
to another. See also cleanup.
purge
query A set of criteria for specifying the selection of objects or records. Autodesk Map
supports many types of queries. See Map query, topology query, database query, and
thematic query.
Query Library The set of queries saved in a project. You can add, delete, and modify
queries in the Query Library.
ramp A sequence of display properties used to render a thematic map; for example, a
sequence of colors, linestyles, or hatch patterns.
range of values In thematic mapping, a segment of data along a continuum, such as
property value, temperature, or population.
raster Images containing individual dots (called pixels or cells) with color values,
arranged in a rectangular, evenly spaced array. Aerial photographs and satellite images
are examples of raster images used in mapping. Compare with vector.
record In a data file, a uniformly structured set of data items, or field values. Also
called a row. See also table.
registration The preparation of a map for digitizing by calibrating a digitizing table to
convert an analog source to a digital file. See digitize.
render, rendering The process of taking an Oracle Spatial record and representing it
as an Autodesk Map object with display properties.
Glossary
253
An Oracle database.
simplify linear objects A map cleanup function that reduces the number of vertices
on a line to reduce unnecessary complexity. Typically used with digitized data. Also
known as weeding or generalizing. See also cleanup.
source drawing A drawing file attached to a project. The set of all source drawings
attached to a project is called the drawing set. Use a Map query to retrieve selected
objects from multiple source drawings.
spatial
data.
spatial filter A selection of objects in the drawing that specify which records to display
in the active table or query. When a spatial filter is active, the Data View displays only
those records linked to selected objects. Compare with SQL filter.
spatial index An index created in an Oracle Spatial database by dividing the extents
of the drawings in the database into rectangular tiles. Autodesk Map uses the index to
locate the geometry to be imported.
254
Glossary
See ellipsoid.
A user who controls user IDs, passwords, and access to sensitive procedures.
symbol table A term referring to the storage of named objects, including linetypes,
layers, text styles, and blocks.
table A set of data arranged in records (rows) and fields (columns). When a table is
displayed in a grid, records display in horizontal rows and fields display in vertical columns. Each field value in the table displays in a cell. Same as data file.
template file A file that formats another file, such as a text file for saving information
from queried objects. See also dot variable, query, and link template.
thematic map A map that depicts selected types of information related to one or more
specific themes. Data is highlighted, classified, or emphasized using display properties
and values such as color and line width. Examples are property assessment, housing
quality, population density, and rainfall maps.
thematic query A collection of saved settings identified by a unique name for the purpose of generating a thematic map. The thematic query specifies which spatial and
attribute data to query, and how to display the thematic objects.
theme
tolerance (drawing cleanup) The minimum distance allowed between linear objects
or nodes during drawing cleanup. If two linear objects or nodes are separated by a distance less than the tolerance, Autodesk Map corrects the error.
topology A set of geometric relationships between links, nodes, and centroids.
Topology describes how lines, nodes, and polygons connect and relate to each other,
and forms the basis for advanced GIS functions such as network tracing, spatial analysis,
buffer analysis, overlay analysis, and dissolving a polygon topology.
topology query An extension to a Map query that applies to a loaded topology. See
also Map query and thematic query.
transverse cylindrical projection A map projection, in which the earths surface is
drawn as it would appear if projected on a cylinder wrapped around the earth in an eastwest direction. Compare with cylindrical projection.
UDL (Universal Data Link) File with .udl extension that includes the name and location of the database table and the software used to create the file. Windows uses a UDL
file to identify a data source. Using the information in this file, programs such as
Autodesk Map can view and update data from external databases.
union Two or more conditions joined with the logical operator Or. An item is selected
only if the item meets at least one of the specified criteria. Compare with intersection.
Glossary
255
vector A mathematical calculation of an object with precise direction and length. Vector data is stored as X,Y coordinates that form points, lines, and areas. Compare with
raster.
wavelet A multiple resolution image file compressed using a lossy compression that
enables large graphics to load much faster due to the reduction in file size. Wavelet compression is based on a mathematical algorithm in which graphic images can be reduced
to a small fraction of their original size.
zoom To change the display magnification so that it focuses on progressively smaller
areas (when you zoom in) or larger areas (when you zoom out) of an image.
zoom extents To magnify a drawing based on its extents so that the view shows the
largest possible view of all spatial objects.
256
Glossary
Index
A
acadmap.ini file 40
acadmap.sys file 40
accuracy, in digitizing data 103
adding
digital signatures 41
passwords 41
ade.pro file. See coordsys.csd file
ADEWHOHASIT 49
ADEZEXTENTS 29
administering topology 156
aliases. See drive aliases
angles
measuring 109
using to specify a point 107
annotation
guidelines 245
maps 245
ASE. See databases and links to databases
associative hatches 142
atlases 239
attaching
databases 175
digital signatures 41
passwords 41
auditing topology 161
Autodesk CAD Overlay 84, 86, 91
Autodesk MapGuide 114, 117
exporting to 117
importing from 114
SDF files 114, 117
azimuth 74
using to specify a point 108
B
backgrounds
bitonal image transparency 91
image transparency 91
base classes 66
bearing
using to specify a point 107
best route analysis 211
BHATCH 142
bitonal raster images
foreground color 91
frame color 91
block attributes
querying 195
blocks
attributes 241
object data 241
title 241
boundaries
breaking objects 138
plotting 243
Rectilinear option 243
trimming objects 139
True option 243
Boundary Break command 138
boundary edge clipping 243
breaking
crossing objects 126
objects at boundaries 138
buffer analysis, topology 216
Buffer Boundary option 242
buffer, defining 216
C
Cartesian coordinate system 74, 76, 77, 80
categories
of queries 206
cells 179
selecting 179
central meridian 81
centroids 136, 147, 154
classification. See feature classification
classified objects 71
cleaning up maps
anchoring objects 122
boundaries, breaking objects 138
boundaries, trimming 139
closed polylines, creating 141
conversion options 122
crossing objects, breaking 126
dangling objects, erasing 128
duplicates, deleting 124
edge matching 134
for topology 149
linear objects, simplifying 129
markers 122
nodes, correcting 131
nodes, snapping clusters 131
order of 124
257
258 | Index
D
dangles 121, 128
dangling nodes 146
data
editing feature data 71
exporting 115
importing 112
object data queries 195
selecting objects using 72
SQL queries 195
storing externally 37, 100
storing internally 37, 100
verifying accuracy 103
data sources
attaching 175
configuring 176
connecting 177
defining 172
disconnecting 177
links to 175
See also databases
Data View 177, 179
column header 179
customizing display 180
displaying hidden columns 180
editing tables 181
exporting data 181
formatting columns 180
linking records to objects manually 186
modifying the display 179
opening 177
printing tables 181
record header 179
sorting records 180
spatial filter 181
SQL filter 181
viewing tables 177
window 39
Data View columns
displaying 180
freezing 180
header 179
hiding 180
key columns 184
selecting 179
unfreezing 180
deleting
topologies 156
detaching
raster images 87
digital signature
adding to projects 41
Digitize Setup dialog box 186
Digitizing 95
digitizing
creating database links 186
defining 96
double-digitized lines 121
errors 120
linetypes 99
maps 96
networks 101
nodes 100
overdigitizing maps 121
planning 97
polygons 102
projective 98
rubber sheeting 134, 136
tablet 96
using layers 98
verifying data 103
disconnecting databases 177
discrete thematic maps 229
display order 88
dissolving
pseudo nodes 131
topologies 219
distances
adding 109
distortion, in maps 74
documents
attaching to objects 31
viewing 31
double-digitized lines 121
Draw mode queries 203
draw order. See display order
drawing cleanup
types of errors 120
drawing sets 6, 34
drawings
adding passwords 41
attaching digital signatures 41
cleanup 119
editing 44
extents 24
global coordinate systems 78
indexing 35, 200
querying 192
querying with SQL 196
retrieving objects 192
save back extents 24
save back options 46
saving queried objects 46
Index
259
sharing 47, 48
transforming coordinates 76
viewing 27
viewing locks 49
zooming to extents 29
drive aliases
default 19
DSN (data source name) 175, 176
duplicates, deleting 124
DWG project drawing 6
.dwk file 47
DXF file format 51
E
edge matching 134
editing
shared drawings 48
tables 181
tools, Autodesk Map 133
editing feature data 71
elevation
displaying 109
prompting for in coordinate geometry 106
ellipsoids 80
defining 81
deleting 81
modifying 81
emergency services example 222
encryption
using passwords 41
enlargements, in insets 139
environments
attaching 175
erasing raster images 88
exporting
Autodesk Mapguide files 117
data 115
file formats 115
object data 188
raster images 117
SDF files 117
SIF files 117
to previous versions 50
extents of drawings 24
zooming to 29
extents, save back 24
external databases. See databases
F
False Origin Easting option 80
False Origin Northing option 80
feature classification 63
base classes 66
classifying objects 69
creating features 70
260 | Index
custom properties 68
defaults 68
defining features 67
editing data 71
hierarchies 66
modifying 69
ranges 68
selecting objects 71
setting up 65
using to create standard objects 64
feature definition file
attaching 70
creating 66
features. See feature classification
fields
adding 167, 168
attaching 167
deleting 167
modifying 167
file formats
.lin 244
.dwk 47
DXF 51
MWF 117
raster 85
SDF 114, 117
SIF 117
file locking 47
releasing 49
filtering records (Data View) 181
floating viewports, plotting 237
flood trace
topology 213
travel time 222
formatting
modifying for Data View tables 180
freezing columns 180
G
generalizing lines 129
Generate Links command 239
geodetic distance
measuring 82
georeferencing 84, 86
global coordinate systems
assigning to drawings 78
choosing 77
codes 78, 79
coordsys.csd file 79
datums 81
defining 79, 80
ellipsoids 81
geodetic 77
modifying 80
non-geodetic 77
projection parameters 81
projections 74
state plane 79
transformation options 36
transforming coordinates 76
viewing a drawings code 79
See also coordinate systems
grade
displaying 109
prompting for in coordinate geometry 106
grid
cells 179
header 179
H
hatch patterns
adding 142
associative 142
hidden columns, redisplaying 180
hiding
columns 180
raster images 87
hierarchies of feature classes 66
horizontal distance, displaying 109
I
Image Manager dialog box
naming images 89
Image Select dialog box 89
IMAGECLIP 92
images. See raster images
importing
Autodesk Mapguide 114
data 112
DXF files 51
file formats 112
indexes 35, 200
removing 202
types of 200
inserting, raster images 86
insertion points, modifying for raster images 90
insets, in maps 139
Introducing 1
islands, topology 147
J
Jet provider for Microsoft Access 175
joining operators 197
precedence 198
joins. See database queries
K
key columns 184
Key View 30, 40
L
label points 136
Lambert Conformal Conic projection 75
latitude/longitude coordinates 98
layers
displaying 30
filtering from view 30
for raster images 91
main view 243
organizing 98
reference view 243
layouts 236
left-right relationships, topology 148
.lin file 244
linear objects 120
simplifying 129
lines
creating using coordinate geometry 106
measuring coordinate geometry 109
linetypes
as contour lines 244
digitizing 99
link indexes 35, 183
link templates 38, 184
defining 184
querying 195
link-node relationships, topology 146
link-polygon relationships, topology 147
links to databases 173, 182, 184, 185
creating automatically 186
creating from object data 188
creating manually 186
creating while digitizing 186
managing 183
querying 196
viewing linked objects 187
viewing linked records 187
links, in topology 144, 151
loading raster images 87
location conditions 193
editing 202
locations
specifying with coordinate geometry 106
locking, file 47
locking, object 10, 45, 47
locks
viewing 49
Index
261
M
main view
layers 241, 243
scale 241
map books 239
map projections 74, 80
mapping, plot map sets 237
maps
annotation 245
atlases 239
boundaries, breaking objects 138
boundaries, trimming 139
cleanup 102, 119, 120, 149
closed polylines, creating 141
contour lines 244
creating 95, 111
crossing objects, breaking 126
dangles 121
dangling objects, erasing 128
digitizing 95, 96
distortion 75
duplicates, deleting 124
edge matching 134
effectiveness 245
errors 120, 149
exporting 111
importing 111
insets 139
layers 98
linear objects, simplifying 129
linking to databases 186
nodes, correcting 131
nodes, snapping clusters 131
overdigitizing 121
overshoots 121
plotting 236, 240
projections 74, 75, 80
pseudo nodes, dissolving 132
rubber sheeting 136
scale 75
sheet boundaries 239
short objects, erasing 126
stacking 35
suitability 97
thematic 40, 226
tiling 35, 99, 102, 239
transformation 135
undershoots 121
undershoots, extending 127
matching edges 134
measuring geodetic distance 82
Mercator projection 74, 75
meridian, central 81
model space, queries 192
Modify Global Coordinate System dialog box 80
moving objects 135
262 | Index
N
naming raster images 89
network flood trace 213
travel time 222
network topology 144, 152, 211
best route analysis 211
checking integrity 213
creating 151
digitizing 101
direction 146
dissolving 219
emergency services example 222
examples 221
flood trace 213
overlay analysis 214
saving settings in profiles 220
shortest path trace 211
travel time 222
network trace 211
networks and polygons 214
node topology
digitizing 100
nodes 120, 144
clusters 131
correcting 131
creating topology 151
dangling 146
dissolving 132
overlay analysis 214
pseudo 146
snapping clusters 131
tolerances for cleanup 131
topology 146
with polygons 214
O
object data
attaching 167
break command 167
compared with external databases 37
converting to database links 188
defining 166
detaching 168
editing 167, 168
querying 195
ranges 169
tables 166
topology 148
trim command 167
object data conditions 195
editing 202
P
page setups, applying to layouts 236
paper space, queries 192
passwords
adding to projects 41
path trace, topology
travel time 222
paths
raster images 89
performance improvements
creating indexes 200
speeding up raster image display 87
Plotting 235
plotting
boundaries 241, 243
boundary buffer 242
floating viewports 237
main view layers 241, 243
main view scale 241
maps 10, 240
plot map sets 237
plot template blocks 237, 240, 243
queries 239
Rectilinear option 243
reference view (viewport) 238
reference view layers 242, 243
reference view scale 242
techniques 244
title blocks 238, 241
True option 243
viewports 243
points
specifying with coordinate geometry 106
polygon topology 145, 147
creating 153
digitizing 102
dissolving 219
examples 222
incomplete polygons 121
incomplete polylines 121
overlay analysis 214, 215
with polygons 215
polygons
filling 142
measuring coordinate geometry 109
polylines
creating closed 141
incomplete 121
measuring coordinate geometry 109
Preview mode queries 203
previewing drawings 27
printing database tables 181
printing drawings. See plotting
profiles 117
for cleaning up maps 132
for topology 220
Project Workspace 5
Data Sources node 174
projection parameters 81
Index
263
Q
quadrant
using to specify a point 107
queries
altering properties 205
categories 206
combining conditions 197
defined 8
editing 202, 233
executing 202
external 35
grouping conditions 198
internal 35, 207
library 206
loading 207
location conditions 193
model space 192
modes 202
nested group conditions 199
object data conditions 195
paper space 192
plot 239
precedence of conditions 198
property conditions 194, 195
reloading 207
reports 204
saving 35, 206
264 | Index
R
ranges
in feature classification 68
of object data 169
Raster Extension 84, 85, 86, 89
raster image frames
bitonal images 91
modifying 90
properties 90
when clipping images 92
raster images
bitonal 91
brightness 90
clipping 92
coloring 91
contrast 90
coordinate correlation 84
correlation coordinates 84, 86
detaching 87
display order 88
displaying 92
erasing 88
fade 90
file formats 85
georeferencing 84, 86
hiding 87
inserting 86
layers 91
loading 87
modifying 90
modifying frames 90
modifying properties 91
moving 90
naming 89
path files 89
performance improvements 87
redrawing speed 87
rotating 91
scaling 91
search paths 89
selecting 89
transparency 91
unloading 87
viewing image information 88
shapes
display in Quick View 27
Sharing 43
sharing drawings 47
sheet boundaries, maps 239
short objects, erasing 126
shortest path trace 211
Show Who Has It command 49
SIF files 117
simplifying linear objects 129
slope
displaying 109
prompting for in coordinate geometry 106
snapping clustered nodes 131
sorting records in Data View 180
spatial analysis 210
spatial filter 181
SQL Filter command (Data View) 181
SQL query conditions
combining 196
creating 196
syntax standards 196
typing 197
stacking, maps 35
standard objects. See feature classification
street network example 221
survey data, entering using coordinate geometry
106
symbol tables 40
Index
265
text
adding to queries objects 232, 233
as object data 239
defining insertion point 136, 233
generating links 239
Thematic Mapping command
supported options 228
thematic maps 40, 226
advanced 232
continuous 229
creating 227
discrete 229
examples 230
expressions 229
property alteration 232
queries 232
query options 228
tiling, maps 35, 99, 102, 135, 239
title blocks, plotting 238, 241
tolerances
for cleanup errors 120
node cleanup 131
simplifying linear objects 129
topology 144
administration 156
auditing 161
best route analysis 211
buffer analysis 216
buffer examples 217
centroids 147, 154
completing 160
creating 149
defined 4
deleting 156
dissolving 219
editing 156
editing examples 157
errors 149
examples 221
flood trace 213
islands 147
left-right relationships 148
link-node relationships 146
link-polygon relationships 147
links 144, 146, 147
links, intersecting 151
model 145
network 101, 144, 152
network examples 221
network flood 213
network trace 211
network, creating 151
node, creating 151
nodes 100, 144, 146
object data 148
overlay analysis 216
polygon 102, 145, 147
266 | Index
trace
network flood 213
shortest path 211
tracking coordinates 82
transformation
for coordinates 36, 76
for objects 135
maps 135
transparency
bitonal raster images 91
raster images 91
setting color 91
transparent commands 106
Transverse Mercator projection 75, 79, 81
travel time using network topology 222
trimming objects at boundaries 139, 243
True option, plotting 243
U
UDL (data link) files 175, 176
creating 176
creating automatically 176
editing 176
unclassified objects 71
undefined objects 71
undershoots, extending 127
unfreezing columns 180
Universal Transverse Mercator projection 78
unloading raster images 87
updating coordinate systems 80
user-defined extents 24
Using 73, 83, 119
V
values for feature classes 68
viewing drawings 27
viewports 237, 238
floating 237
plotting 237, 243
reference 238
secondary 238
W
water-distribution network example 221
weeding 129
Who Has It command. See Show Who Has It
command
work sessions. See projects
Working 53
Z
zoom
controlling layers viewed 30
to extents of source drawings 29
Index
267
268