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v1 - GS4037 - Manual DATEM Capture For AutoCAD
v1 - GS4037 - Manual DATEM Capture For AutoCAD
DAT/EM CAPTURE ™
Operation Manual
This manual is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or part, be copied,
photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in
writing, from DAT/EM Systems International (hereinafter DAT/EM). The information in this manual has been carefully
checked and is believed to be accurate. However, DAT/EM assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be
contained in this manual. In no event will DAT/EM be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages
resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. In the interest of
continued product development, DAT/EM reserves the right to make improvements in this manual and the products it
describes at any time, without notice or obligation.
Notice Page 1 of 4
DAT/EM United States Limited Warranty
DAT/EM warrants to CUSTOMER that the DAT/EM product(s) listed above, excluding items such as software, disks, and related documen-
tation, will be free from defects in material and/or workmanship for one year from the date of delivery. During the warranty period, DAT/EM
will correct any defects in material or workmanship, or any failure of the product to conform to specifications, at no charge for labor and
materials. Any replacement part(s)/product shall be new or serviceable used part(s)/product. Any replacements are warranted for the remain-
der of the original warranty or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer. The original owner must promptly notify DAT/EM in writing if there is
a defect in material or workmanship. Written notice in all events must be received by DAT/EM before the expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty is not transferable.
This one-year Limited Warranty covers normal use. DAT/EM does not warrant or cover:
• damage during shipment other than original shipment to CUSTOMER;
• damage caused by impact with other objects, dropping, falls, spilled liquids, or immersion in liquids;
• damage caused by a disaster such as fire, flood, wind, earthquake, or lightning;
• damage caused by riot, war, or acts of terrorism committed within the U.S. or internationally;
• damage caused by unauthorized attachments, alterations, modifications, or foreign objects;
• damage caused by peripherals;
• defects caused by failure to provide a suitable installation environment for the DAT/EM product;
• damage caused by the use of the DAT/EM product for purposes other than those for which it was designed;
• damage from improper maintenance;
• damage caused by any other abuse, misuse, mishandling, or misapplication.
DAT/EM’s liability for failure to repair the DAT/EM product to conform to the warranty after a reasonable number of attempts will be lim-
ited to a replacement product, or at DAT/EM’s option, a refund not to exceed the purchase price of the DAT/EM product. These remedies are
CUSTOMER’s exclusive remedies for breach of warranty.
Under no circumstances shall DAT/EM be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages based upon breach of warranty, breach
of contract, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory. Such damages include, but are not limited to, loss of profits, loss of revenue,
loss of use of the DAT/EM product or any associated equipment, cost of capital, cost of substitute or replacement equipment, facilities or ser-
vices, down time, CUSTOMER’s time, the claims of third parties, including CUSTOMER’s clients, and injury to property.
International Warranty
The warranty for international CUSTOMERs is the same as the DAT/EM United States Limited Warranty, with the following exception: On
all orders for replacement part(s)/product, CUSTOMER is responsible for any customs fees, taxes or value added tax that may be due.
Disclaimer Of Warranties
THE WARRANTY STATED ABOVE IS THE ONLY WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO THIS PRODUCT. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE), ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIM-
ITED TO THE 90-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE), OR ADVICE GIVEN BY DAT/EM, ITS AGENTS, OR ITS EMPLOYEES
SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY OR IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF THIS WARRANTY. THIS DISCLAIMER OF WAR-
RANTIES AND LIMITED WARRANTY ARE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ALASKA IN THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA.
Notice Page 2 of 4
Service Under Warranty
To obtain service, please follow this procedure:
1. With the invoice number ready, call or fax DAT/EM’s technical support department: Telephone 1-800-770-3681
or 907-522-3681, Fax 907-522-3688, or email to support@datem.com.
2. A DAT/EM technician will troubleshoot the problem by email, phone, or fax. If the technician determines a
hardware problem exists that is covered by the warranty, and a replacement part/product is required, DAT/EM
will ship the replacement to CUSTOMER. CUSTOMER must then ship the defective part/product back to
DAT/EM within thirty (30) days of receipt of the replacement. If the defective part/product is not shipped back to
DAT/EM within the thirty (30) day period, DAT/EM reserves the right to invoice CUSTOMER for the full value
of the replacement. Use the following procedure to return the defective product/part:
a.) Ship the defective part/product back to DAT/EM, freight prepaid and insured. Pack the product
carefully, using the original box and packing material. Do not include any accessories or manuals
supplied with the product. DAT/EM assumes no responsibility for equipment during shipment from
customer to DAT/EM.
b.) Include a brief note describing the problem. In case DAT/EM has any questions, list the name,
telephone number, and fax number of the person directly responsible for maintaining the equipment.
Trademark Acknowledgments
3Dconnexion, SpaceExplorer, SpaceNavigator, and SpacePilot are registered trademarks of 3Dconnexion Holding S.A.
Corporation Switzerland. 3Dlabs and Wildcat are trademarks or registered trademarks of 3Dlabs Ltd., 3Dlabs Inc. Ltd., or
3Dlabs Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Stealth 1 Mouse, Stealth 2 Mouse, and Stealth Mouse are trademarks of
ABC Software Developers. Autodesk, ADI, AutoCAD, AutoSnap, and DXF are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. SOCET SET is a registered trademark of BAE Systems Inc. MicroStation
and MDL are trademarks of Bentley Systems, Inc. Blue Marble Geographics and GeoCalc are registered trademarks of Blue
Marble Group, Inc. DigitalGlobe and digitalglobe.com are registered trademarks of DigitalGlobe, Inc. EarthData is a
registered trademark of Earthdata Holdings, Inc. ESRI, ArcGIS, ArcReader, ArcView, ArcEditor, ArcInfo, ArcMap, and
ArcCatalog are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of ESRI in the United States, the European Community, or
certain other jurisdictions. Google, Google Earth, and Google Maps are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Google,
Inc. Immersion, SoftMouse, and Immersion Interface Box are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Immersion
Corporation. Intel and Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United
States and other countries. STAR-3I is a registered trademark of Intermap Technologies Ltd. Leica is a registered trademark of
Leica Technology BV Corporation. LizardTech and MrSID are either trademarks or registered trademarks of LizardTech.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and Bing are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
NVIDIA, NVIDIA Quadro, and GeForce are registered trademarks or trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries. IKONOS and GeoEye are registered trademarks of ORBIMAGE Inc. DBA GeoEye Corporation. PCI
is a registered trademark of PCI Geomatics Enterprises Inc. in Canada. PCI Express is a registered trademark of PCI SIG
Corporation. Planar and the Planar logo are registered trademarks of Planar Systems, Inc. Keyport and PolyWedge are
trademarks of Polytel Corporation. Sentinel SuperPro is a trademark of SafeNet. StereoGraphics, CrystalEyes, and Monitor
Zscreen are registered trademarks of StereoGraphics Corporation. VELCRO is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries
B.V. DMC, ImageStation, and Z/I Imaging are registered trademarks of Z/I Imaging Corporation. All other product names
mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Notice Page 3 of 4
This page deliberately left blank.
Notice Page 4 of 4
Contents
Contents
Contents
Interp 5-75
Joinit 5-79
Labelit 5-80
Lc 5-84
Lcf 5-85
Lineslope 5-86
Lpat 5-87
MeasureHeight 5-88
Morphexporter 5-89
Movebypick 5-90
OpenUp 5-91
Opsqr2d 5-92
Opsqr3d 5-94
Orient 5-97
Orient_Only 5-97
Profiledtm 5-98
Psqr 5-101
Psqr3d 5-104
Reverse 5-106
Road 5-107
Rr 5-108
Rr100 5-109
SetObjectZ 5-110
SetPointBlockZ 5-111
Setup 5-112
Shift 5-115
Shot 5-116
Si 5-117
Slopetick 5-118
Spotx and Spotxset 5-119
Square 5-121
Stairs 5-122
Unrotatescreen 5-124
Wallfence 5-125
Xsect 5-126
Xyzin 5-131
Xyzout 5-133
Zcheck 5-134
Zmove 5-135
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-i
List of Changes
The following lists show changes in this document for DAT/EM software versions 4.4 and 4.5.
6.0. not applicable Support was added for 64-bit AutoCAD 2011. A correction was
made to correctly initialize the cursor on 64-bit operating
systems using AutoCAD 2009, 2010 and 2011
5.4. not applicable Support was added and/or improved for AutoCAD with 64-bit
operating systems.
5.3. not applicable Support was added for 32-bit and 64-bit AutoCAD 2010.
5.2. 2-1 The majority of the installation instructions have been moved to
individual documents that will be included in the product
packaging and on www.datem.com.
4.5. 5-61 The prompt for DTMit has changed to include a toggle for
"Drive to Ground" and the "S" keyin has changed to "R" to
return to the dialog.
4.5. 5-80 Labelit has a new interval setting. Added an example graphic
and changed the dialog graphics and callouts for this command.
DAT/EM CAPTURE may be used with any analog stereoplotter with three axis encoders, or with one of a wide variety
of analytical and digital stereoplotters.
The DAT/EM mapping system offers these advantages in today's highly competitive digital world:
About SUPER/IMPOSITION
SUPER/IMPOSITION™ will be mentioned throughout this manual. SUPER/IMPOSITION™ is sold as a video accessory for
DAT/EM CAPTURE, or as a part of DAT/EM’s SUMMIT EVOLUTION™ digital stereoplotter. SUPER/IMPOSITION sends
an image of digitized objects into the eye along with the usual photographic view given by the stereoplotter. On
analog and analytical stereoplotters, a special video monitor and optical system are added to the stereoplotter. On
digital stereoplotters, the additional graphics are added to the image view display.
• Digitized objects and optional coordinate text appear superimposed onto the images. This makes it easy
to see digitizing progress and object accuracy.
• SUPER/IMPOSITION is excellent for map revision. When the older file is superimposed over an area of
new construction, any new features are immediately obvious.
• The stereoplotter can check graphical objects without turning away from the image view.
System Components
It is important that the computer hardware, the operating system, and all software are of the types and versions
currently recommended by DAT/EM.
• DAT/EM software is compiled for certain versions of the operating system and
CAD/GIS software. For both new installations and updates, always check with
DAT/EM to make sure your have a good set of matching versions.
Please refer to the up-to-date recommendations and component list on the DAT/EM Systems International web site:
http://www.datem.com/
DAT/EM SUMMIT EVOLUTION The majority of DAT/EM CAPTURE licenses are installed
during DAT/EM SUMMIT EVOLUTION installation.
1. Use the installation instructions provided in the
DAT/EM “Installation Instructions Series”
documents provided with the original product
packaging.
2. Return to “Configure AutoCAD to Run DAT/EM
CAPTURE” on page 2-2 below.
3. For startup and daily use instructions, see the SUMMIT
EVOLUTION Operation Manual.
• Start AutoCAD.
• Click on “+” next to Support File Search Path to expand its list.
• Select the Add button, which adds a blank line to the bottom of the Support File Search
Path list. Select the Browse button. Specify the location of the DAT/EM folder under
AutoCAD. Repeat to add the DAT/EM icon graphics folder. These folders are usually:
<drive>:\program Files\AutoCAD (version)\datem
<drive>:\program Files\AutoCAD (version)\datem\bmp
• Select Apply and go to the next step without closing the Options dialog.
Files tab
• Set Current Pointing Device to Wintab Compatible Digitizer ADI 4.2 - by Autodesk.
AutoCAD usually closes automatically after this setting, but it correctly applies and saves
the setting as it closes. Start AutoCAD again and return to Tools>Options>System.
System tab
Activate the DAT/EM Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous Versions
Perform the following steps to configure the DAT/EM menu group(s) for AutoCAD 2005 and previous versions of
AutoCAD. It is important to do this for new installations and for every DAT/EM CAPTURE update.
Step 1) Select Customize Menus from the Tools pull-down menu in AutoCAD.
Step 2) Select the Menu Groups tab. Select Browse.
Select Browse.
3. Highlight Datem(version).mnu.
Step 6) If an AutoCAD menu message appears (it may not appear the first time this is done), select Yes.
Select Yes.
Step 7) The DATEM file now appears in the File Name area on the Menu Groups tab. Select Load and
verify that DATEM appears in the Menu Groups list.
Step 8) (Optional) If the MAP/EDITOR™ or the CAPTURE CONTOUR™ package will be used on this
workstation, their menus may be added now. Repeat Step 2 through Step 7, but choose
Maped(version).mnu for the MAP/EDITOR and Contour(version).mnu for CAPTURE CONTOUR.
If the MAP/EDITOR or
CAPTURE CONTOUR
packages are to be used on
this workstation, their
menus may be added now.
Step 9) Now insert the DAT/EM pull-down menu into the menu bar just to the left of the existing Help
pull-down. Select the Menu Bar tab.
Step 10) Set Menu Group to DATEM or DATEMLITE.
Step 11) Highlight Datem or DatemLite in the Menus list.
Step 12) Highlight Help on the menu bar list. This ensures that the Datem or DatemLite menu will appear
just to the left of the Help menu.
Step 13) Select the Insert>> button.
4. Select Insert>>.
3. Highlight Help.
Step 14) If the MAP/EDITOR and/or CAPTURE CONTOUR menus were added using Step 8, then add them to
the menu bar now. Repeat Step 9 for these menus, but select Map/Editor(version) and/or Contour
as the Menu Group. Instead of highlighting the Help menu bar, highlight Datem so that the menus
appear to the left of the Datem pull-down menu.
Step 15) Select the Close button to exit the Menu Customization dialog.
Step 16) Verify that the Datem or DatemLite pull-down menu appears next to the Help menu on the
AutoCAD screen. If they were added, the Map/Editor and Contour menus should also appear.
Now go on to “Turn on DAT/EM Toolbars - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous Versions” below.
Expected Result:
The Datem or DatemLite pull-down menu
appears next to the Help menu.
Step 4) Verify that the selected toolbar menus appear and that the icons are correct1. If desired, drag and
drop the menus anywhere, or dock them in the toolbar menu areas.
Expected Result:
Fewer toolbars appear The selected Datem toolbars will
for SUMMIT EVOLUTION appear in AutoCAD. Drag and drop
LITE EDITION them anywhere, or dock them in
the toolbar menu areas.
1. If the icons all appear the same, , then the ...\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\bmp
folder is not referenced correctly, or was not referenced when the menu was compiled. Set the Support File Search
Path using the instructions on page 2-2. Then reload/recompile the menu file using the instructions on page 2-4.
In AutoCAD, select
Customize and Interface
from the Tools menu.
Step 2) View the Customize tab with All Customization Files set in the field in the upper left pane.
Step 3) Right click on Partial CUI Files and select Load partial customization file.
Customize tab
Step 4) In the Open dialog, verify that Files of type is set to Customization files. Browse to the
...\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem folder. Select Datem(version).cui or
DatemLite(version).cui.
Note: The file name includes the number of the lowest version of AutoCAD that the file is
compatible with, which may not match the number of the installed version of AutoCAD.
For example, the file is called Datem2007.cui for use with AutoCAD 2008. The file is
called “Lite” if it is for use with SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION.
Step 5) (Optional. Does not apply to SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION.) If the MAP/EDITOR™ and/or the
CAPTURE CONTOUR™ packages are installed on this workstation, add their menus now. Reset All
Customization Files in the upper left pane. Repeat Step 2 through Step 4, but choose
MapEditor.cui for the MAP/EDITOR and CaptureContour.cui for CAPTURE CONTOUR.
Step 6) Select Apply and OK to save the settings and close the Customize User Interface dialog.
Step 7) Verify that the selected menu(s) appear in AutoCAD. They appear as both pull-down menus and
toolbars when AutoCAD is the focus window. If desired, drag and drop the toolbar menus
anywhere, or dock them in the toolbar menu areas in AutoCAD.
Expected Results:
• The Datem or DatemLite pull-down menu appears.
• The Map/Editor and Contour pull-down menus appear
if they are installed and have been configured.
• The Datem toolbars appear when AutoCAD has focus.
Drag and drop them anywhere, or dock them in the
toolbar menu areas.
• To review or edit the acad.rx file, see “How to Load Applications from acad.rx” on page 2-11.
• To use the Startup Suite instead, see “How to Load Applications from the Startup Suite” on page 2-12.
• To disable loading, see “How to Prevent Automatic Loading, Then Load Manually” on page 2-13.
You may wish to review or change the contents of the acad.rx file. Perform the following steps:
Step 1) Open the \Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\acad.rx file in any text editor such as
Windows Notepad.
The DAT/EM application file names depend on the version of AutoCAD. Note that the names
may not seem to match the version of AutoCAD, but that is normal. For example, files for both
AutoCAD 2004 and AutoCAD 2006 are called (Filename)2004.arx. This simply means that
there were no changes to the file for the higher version of AutoCAD.
Step 2) To add an application so that it loads automatically every time AutoCAD starts, enter its file name
on a single line in the file. Some suggested files that may be included in acad.rx are (note that some
applications are not provided with SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION):
a.) Autolist(verison).arx, contains the autolist command.
b.) BlockRotate(verison).arx to rotate blocks in a drawing.
c.) Breaklinefilter(verison).arx contains the breaklinefilter command.
d.) Capture(verison).arx, contains the main DAT/EM CAPTURE interface and commands.
e.) CaptureContour(verison).arx, contains the CAPTURE CONTOUR option (if installed).
f.) CheckLineElevation(verison).arx, contains checklineelevation and other commands.
g.) Clenup(verison).arx, contains the cleanup command.
h.) ClipIt(verison).arx, contains the datclip command.
i.) DtmDistributor(verison).arx contains the dtmdistributor command.
j.) DtmEditor(verison).arx contains the dtmeditor command.
k.) DtmIt(verison).arx contains the dtmit command.
l.) MapEditor(verison).arx contains the MAP/EDITOR commands.
m.) Measure(verison).arx contains the measureheight and lineslope commands.
n.) Si(verison).arx, contains SUPER/IMPOSITION (if installed). If listing this application, list
Capture(version).arx first, then list si(version).arx on the next line.
Step 3) To remove an application so that it does not load, delete the line containing that file name.
To use the Applications Startup Suite instead of the acad.rx file, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Rename ...\Program Files\Acad (version)\Datem\acad.rx file to acad.rx.deactivated. (Do not
delete it, in case you want to use it again later.) After it is renamed, AutoCAD cannot find it.
Step 2) Start AutoCAD. Select Load Application from the Tools pull-down menu.
Step 3) Click the Contents button in the Startup Suite area.
Some suggested files that may be included in the Startup Suite are (note that some applications
are not provided with SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION):
a.) Autolist(verison).arx, contains the autolist command.
b.) BlockRotate(verison).arx to rotate blocks in a drawing.
c.) Breaklinefilter(verison).arx contains the breaklinefilter command.
d.) Capture(verison).arx, contains the main DAT/EM CAPTURE interface and commands.
e.) CaptureContour(verison).arx, contains the CAPTURE CONTOUR option (if installed).
f.) CheckLineElevation(verison).arx, contains checklineelevation and other commands.
g.) Cleanup(verison).arx, contains the cleanup command.
h.) ClipIt(verison).arx, contains the datclip command.
i.) DtmDistributor(verison).arx contains the dtmdistributor command.
j.) DtmEditor(verison).arx contains the dtmeditor command.
k.) DtmIt(verison).arx contains the dtmit command.
l.) MapEditor(verison).arx contains the MAP/EDITOR commands.
m.) Measure(verison).arx contains the measureheight, lineslope, and tinpolygons commands.
n.) MorphExporter(verison).arx contains the morphexporter command.
o.) Si(verison).arx, contains SUPER/IMPOSITION (if installed). If listing this application, list
Capture(version).arx first, then list si(version).arx on the next line.
Step 4) When finished, close the Startup Suite and Load/Unload Applications boxes. The settings take
effect the next time AutoCAD starts.
• To stop using the acad.rx file, rename it to acad.rx.deactivated. (Do not delete it, in case
you want to use it again later.) The file’s default installation location is:
\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\acad.rx.
• To continue using acad.rx, but to change the list of files it loads, edit
\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\acad.rx with any text editor such as
Windows Notepad. See “How to Load Applications from acad.rx” on page 2-11.
Step 2) If using the Startup Suite to load applications, select Load Application from the Tools pull-down
menu. Click the Contents button in the Startup Suite area. Delete any application names that
should not be loaded when AutoCAD starts.
capture(version).arx
Choose a method:
• Select DAT/EM Startup from
the DAT/EM toolbar.
• Select Load Capture from
the Datem pull-down menu.
• Enter appload and load
capture(version).arx.
si(version).arx
Available only if
SUPER/IMPOSITION is installed.
Choose a method:
• Select Load S/I from the
Super/Imposition option of
the Datem pull-down menu.
• Enter appload and select
si(version).arx.
All other DAT/EM arx files Use AutoCAD’s Tools > Load Application to load any
of the other DAT/EM arx files found in the ...\Program
Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem folder.
• With DAT/EM CAPTURE, there are two digitizers: the 2D mouse and the 3D stereoplotter. Read more
about digitizer-related subjects in:
“Hints for Seeing the Cursor in a New Drawing File” on page 3-1
“Cursor Control with System Mouse and Stereoplotter” on page 3-2
• The DAT/EM KEYPAD™, P-series tablet menu, pull-down AutoCAD menu, and toolbar menus all
contain many useful DAT/EM CAPTURE utilities and digitizing aids. Read more about the menus in:
“Using the DAT/EM Menus” on page 3-2
“Customizing the DAT/EM KEYPAD” on page 4-3
• DAT/EM CAPTURE provides commands to quickly digitize streamed and point-to-point 2D and 3D
polylines and block symbols. Read more about these digitizing commands in:
“Digitizing Polylines with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page 3-3
“Digitizing Blocks with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page 3-4
Chapter 5, “DAT/EM CAPTURE Command Reference”
• In addition to the DAT/EM CAPTURE commands described in Chapter 5, all of the AutoCAD
commands are available for mapping purposes. A good working knowledge of AutoCAD is valuable for
efficient mapping. However, the beginning AutoCAD user will also be able use DAT/EM CAPTURE.
Read more about helpful AutoCAD commands in:
“AutoCAD Commands that are Useful for Mapping Projects” on page 3-7
“Using Layers to Separate Data” on page 3-7
Even if the cursor is not on the screen, objects can still be digitized at the correct locations. AutoCAD is constantly
updated with the current stereoplotter location, whether or not the cursor is in the graphics view.
To initially match the stereoplotter location and the AutoCAD display area:
1. Zoom with the stereoplotter
Zooming with the stereoplotter forces a new zoom center in AutoCAD. (Does not apply to analog
stereoplotters.)
2. Turn on datpan
See “Datpan” on page 5-48.
• For SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION or when SUMMIT EVOLUTION is set to the System Mouse input
device, right click in the main view to activate stereoplotter cursor control. Double right click to
deactivate stereoplotter cursor control and switch back to regular system mouse mode.
• For all other stereoplotters and SUMMIT EVOLUTION digitizing devices, simply move the desired
digitizer for it to obtain cursor control.
Toolbar menus
:
Most of the DAT/EM CAPTURE commands appear on the menus, as well as snap utilities and other tools. These
commands are also available on the DAT/EM KEYPAD. The menus are provided as a method of quickly starting
DAT/EM CAPTURE commands.
For example, a building could be digitized by starting AutoCAD’s 3dpoly command and digitizing each corner of the
building, then entering the letter “C” to close the polyline. The result of this time-consuming 3dpoly command will
be a building with sides that are not quite perpendicular. But DAT/EM CAPTURE offers several building commands
that streamline the process, allow some corners to be calculated rather than digitized, square the building sides when
necessary, and automatically close the polyline.
Each of the DAT/EM CAPTURE commands is described in detail in Chapter 5. The most commonly-used DAT/EM
CAPTURE commands are described below in this chapter:
• To digitize elevation contours and other point-to-point or streamed polylines, see “Digitizing Polylines
with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page 3-3.
• To digitize mapping symbols using blocks, see “Digitizing Blocks with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page
3-4.
Two-dimensional polylines are entities consisting of a connected sequence of line and/or arc segments. The 2D
polyline takes on the elevation of the first vertex.
• Use capt2d to digitize in stream mode, with the first vertex’s elevation rounded off to the nearest
contour interval. All the other vertices will remain set to this same elevation, even if the stereoplotter
elevation is changed while digitizing. This command is most useful for digitizing elevation contours.
See “Capt2d” on page 5-28.
Three-dimensional polylines are entities consisting of a connected sequence of line segments. Each vertex in a 3D
polyline takes on the elevation of the digitizer (stereoplotter) at the time it was digitized.
• Use capt3d for stream mode digitizing. This command is very useful for digitizing features that vary in
elevation such as streams and field boundaries. It is also used to digitize break lines for use with contour
generation packages. See “Capt3d” on page 5-30.
See the following sections for more information on digitizing polylines:
When using capt2d, the elevation is automatically rounded to the nearest contour interval.
• Streams
• Fences
The default drawing file supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE contains a set of blocks for mapping. Each of these blocks
is matched to a key on the keypad overlay or menu diagram. The blocks and overlay can be customized for any
mapping purposes. For instructions on customizing the default file blocks, see “New Blocks” on page 4-1.
To place symbols with the One- or Two-Shot modes, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Select a symbol key on the DAT/EM KEYPAD. DAT/EM KEYPAD keys typically set a layer, use
-inssetup to set the name of the block, and activate the ins command.
Step 2) Digitize one or two points. The first point specifies the block insertion point. For the ins Rotate,
ins Scale, and ins All options, the second point specifies an angle, a scale factor, or both. (One-shot
blocks are placed according to the active rotation angle and map scale/symbol factor set with the
setup dialog box.)
Step 3) Continue inserting blocks. The ins command remains active until another command is used.
Example: A series of power poles is to be plotted with the symbol ticks parallel to a street. The size of the UTILITYP
block is correct using the setup map and scale factors.
Step 1) Select Utility Pole on the DAT/EM KEYPAD. This sets the UTILITY layer, uses -inssetup to set
the block name to UTILITYP, and activates ins Rotate.
Step 2) Digitize a point at the base of a power pole.
Step 3) Move the stereoplotter parallel to the street and digitize a second point. The UTILITYP block
is inserted at the digitized angle.
Step 4) Continue selecting pole bases and angles. More UTILITYP symbols are inserted.
Step 5) Select another command to cancel the symbol insertion mode.
• block placement
• spot elevation placement
To activate this mode, enter -inssetup o, then set the symbol name with the ins command:
Command: -inssetup
One/Rotate/Scale/All: o
Command: ins
Block name/? smalltree
To set the block name and a layer for the block that is independent of the currently set AutoCAD layer, use the
inssetup command instead of -inssetup. A dialog box allows all the settings to be made. However, when activating
the command from the keypad, the -inssetup command should be used to avoid the dialog box.
Many of the symbol insertion keys on the keypad overlay or menu diagram activate the One-Shot mode and ins.
To set this mode, enter -inssetup, select Rotate, Scale, or All, then set the symbol name with the ins command. For
example:
Command: -inssetup
One/Rotate/Scale/All: r
Command: ins
Block name/? smalltree
Proceed to insert one or more blocks using the digitizing switch. The first digitized point will be the block insertion
point, the second point will define the rotation angle, scale, or both.
To set the block name and a layer for the block that is independent of the currently set AutoCAD layer, use the
inssetup command instead of -inssetup. A dialog box allows all the settings to be made. However, when activating
the command from the keypad, the -inssetup command should be used to avoid the dialog box.
Some of the symbol insertion keys on the keypad overlay or menu diagram set the Two-Shot mode.
These routines use three variables to determine the size of text and blocks:
• Map scale
Because the software is inserting the blocks using a scale factor, blocks should be created at a size of one ground unit
in the template drawing file. (See “New Blocks” on page 4-1.)
The following is a brief list of the most commonly used AutoCAD commands for mapping projects. The user is
encouraged to review them in the AutoCAD Reference Manual or the AutoCAD on-line help.
Some AutoCAD commands have a direct application to mapping projects. Read more about them in:
Each different type of feature in a mapping project should be digitized on a unique layer. For example, place all paved
roads on the ROAD-PAVED layer, and all unpaved roads on the ROAD-UNPAVED layer. Then when it comes time
to extract information about one type of feature, it is very easy to freeze all layers except the layer in question.
A default acad.dwt drawing template file is supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE. It contains a layer scheme for
mapping. This scheme may be modified to suit the project. When making a layer scheme, try to make it detailed and
flexible enough that it may be used on almost any type of project. Everyone concerned, including the map compiler,
the editor, and the client will appreciate a consistent layering method.
Once the layer scheme is established, the layers should be added to the keypad overlay or menu diagram. The keypad
overlay or menu diagram that comes with DAT/EM CAPTURE already has the layer items matched to the DAT/EM
CAPTURE acad.dwt layer definitions.
When digitizing a feature, always set the layer first by selecting the layer name on the keypad or menu.
The stereoplotter station can be used for editing if necessary; however, since compilation time and editing time often
vary, and users sometimes want a more powerful computer for editing, it is more efficient to have a separate
AutoCAD editing station. A commonly available tablet digitizer with a 16-button cursor is also a great editing help.
• The autolist.arx utility speeds up getting information about objects. See page 5-20.
• The edbox command helps keep track of edited areas of a drawing. See “Edbox” on page 5-63.
All the AutoCAD commands may also be used for editing.
Drawing Output
Any ACAD drawing digitized using DAT/EM CAPTURE may be plotted like any other ACAD drawing. Refer to the
AutoCAD documentation to become familiar with AutoCAD’s plotting software.
The xyzout command may be used to create ASCII files. The user is able to specify the output file format and the
objects that should be exported. For instructions on exporting objects with xyzout, please see “Xyzout” on page
5-133.
DAT/EM CAPTURE’s morphexporter command may be used to write morphological data from the AutoCAD file to
an INPHO .wnp file. See page 5-89.
Note that when DAT/EM CAPTURE is installed, its acad.dwt overwrites AutoCAD’s version of acad.dwt.
To input a new layer scheme, start with a copy of the acad.dwt file. Use the AutoCAD DDLMODES or LAYER
commands to change and define new layers. See the AutoCAD documentation for help using these commands.
New Blocks
New blocks can be defined, or the existing ones from acad.dwt can be changed. When defining blocks, there are
three very important goals:
• Make blocks the correct size, usually about 1 unit across (See page 4-2);
• Make blocks on the correct layer, usually layer 0 (See page 4-2);
Scaling the blocks as they are inserted makes it possible to use the same block table for any scale map drawings. In
other words, the same default drawing file may be used for maps drawn at 1:25, 1:500, and 1:1000.
Because the blocks are scaled at the moment they are inserted, there is one rule for block sizing:
As an example, a block called LIGHT-POLE can be created on a layer called LIGHT-POLE. If it is subsequently
inserted on the UTILITY layer, then the block has properties of both the LIGHT-POLE and UTILITY layers. If the
LIGHT-POLE layer was then frozen, the block would not appear on the screen. Both LIGHT-POLE and UTILITY
must be thawed in order to see the block.
Because the blocks are inserted on the current layer, there is an optional rule for block layering. Please consider
carefully the block’s purpose, and whether it should indeed be created on a separate layer.
Once the block components have been drawn, use the AutoCAD LIST command to make sure the elevation of each
object is zero. If necessary, use the AutoCAD MOVE command to move an object to zero elevation.
Hint: If a block always appears at the wrong elevation, check its definition elevation by inserting the block with an
asterisk (*) before the name. This inserts the symbol as individual exploded objects rather than as a block. Use
AutoCAD’s LIST command to look at the elevation of each object. If necessary, move the components to zero
elevation and redefine the block.
Defining a Block
Use the AutoCAD BLOCK command to define the block. Be sure the insertion point is chosen accurately. Most
symbol blocks will have an insertion point exactly in the center of the symbol. Please see the AutoCAD Reference
Manual for instructions on the BLOCK command.
Hint: It may be convenient to draw the blocks centered around the coordinate origin, (0,0,0). This makes it easy to
define the block insertion point.
If a symbol is to be used only on a particular job, it can be generated in the individual drawing file. If it is to be added
to the permanent list of symbols, then it should be created in the template drawing so that it is present every time a
new file is started.
Once a new block symbol has been generated, a key for this symbol can be added to the keypad overlay or menu
diagram.
To set button functions, use the buttons command or select the Edit Buttons option from the DAT/EM KEYPAD or
from the Datem pull-down menu. See “Buttons” on page 5-27.
• A brief listing of DAT/EM CAPTURE™ commands by category (Pages 5-1 through 5-10)
• A detailed alphabetical listing of all the commands (Pages 5-11 through 5-135)
Commands by Category
Block Commands
BlockRotate (Rotate blocks) Rotate blocks based on their block name, layer, and/or
location inside a closed polyline.
Brush (Brush patterning) Insert brush tick block symbols along a brush line.
Dep (Depression tick patterning) Insert depression tick block symbols along a
depression contour.
Fence (Fence patterning) Insert fence tick block symbols along fence polylines.
Grail (Guard rail patterning) Insert guard rail block symbols along guard rail
polylines.
Ins (Block or point digitizing) Quickly and repeatedly insert blocks or points
using the settings made by inssetup or -inssetup.
Labelit (Elevation labels) Add elevation labels or blocks to polylines with options for
rotation and polyline breaking.
Lc (Insert control point blocks) Insert control point block symbols at all the
coordinate locations read from the currently active orientation control listing.
(To insert selected points from a selected control file, see the lcf command.)
MeasureHeight (Label height of object) Digitize points at the base and top of an object; place
a block to show the location and text to show the height.
Profiledtm (DTM Project) Set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project.
Rr (Double line railroads) After the user digitizes one side of a railroad track, rr
offsets the opposite rail and inserts railroad tick blocks at intervals along the
track.
Rr100 (Single line railroads) After the user digitizes a single polyline down the
center of a railroad track, rr100 inserts railroad tick blocks at intervals along
the track.
SetBlockZ (Edit block Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a block. Assign the
stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign AutoCAD’s elev
setting if the system mouse is used.
SetPointBlockZ (Edit block or point Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a point or block.
Assign the stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign
AutoCAD’s elev setting if the system mouse is used.
Shot (Repeated block insertion) Set the digitizing mode to work with the ins
command to repeatedly insert blocks. Blocks will either be inserted at the
currently set angles and scales from the setup dialog box, or the scale and/or
rotation angle will be digitized.
Slopetick (Slope tick patterning) Insert slope tick block symbols along retaining wall
polylines.
Spotx and Spotxset (Spot elevations) Use spotxset or -spotxset to make settings for spotx. Use
spotx to insert spot elevation blocks and text.
Wallfence (Wall-fence patterning) Insert wall tick and fence tick blocks alternately
along 2D or 3D polylines.
Xyzin (Import from a file) Import blocks and other types of objects from an ASCII
file.
Zcheck (Mark polyline intersections) Mark the point of intersection and the elevation
difference between polylines where they intersect in the (X,Y) plane. See also
crosscheck.
BreaklineFilter (Change DTM points near breaklines) Change the layer of DTM points that
are located near linework (breaklines).
DTMdistributor (Create a new DTM point distribution from other point sources) Combine
two or more DTM point sets into a single set; to redistribute DTM points at a
new grid interval.
DTMeditor (Edit point and block XYZs) To edit XYZ point data in the AutoCAD file.
DTMit (DTM Project) To set up a DTM project and digitize XYZ data on a grid.
Morphexporter (Export objects to .WNP file for SCOP) Export AutoCAD morphological
objects into an INPHO MATCH-T .wnp file. See Chapter 6.
Profiledtm (DTM digitizing) Set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM)
project.
Xsect (Cross section digitizing) Create a cross section project and collect (X,Y,Z)
data along the cross sections.
Drawing/Editing Commands
Drawing/Editing
Command Purpose
Commands
3doffset (Mainly roads with curves) Offset a 3D polyline so that the polylines look
equidistant in the XY plane. The new polyline may also be offset by a constant
elevation difference.
Autolist (Easier than LIST) Display object information as the cursor passes over the
object. No button selections are necessary.
Autoarc2d (Roads with curves) Draw 2D polylines in point-to-point mode, adding arc
segments wherever necessary, and continuing with straight segments when an
arc is not required. autoarc2d is used primarily for digitizing roads with
curves.
BlockRotate (Rotate blocks) Rotate existing blocks based on their block name, layer,
BlockRotateLast and/or location inside a closed polyline. BlockRotate activates a settings
dialog; BlockRotateLast does not.
BreaklineFilter (Change DTM points near breaklines) Change the layer of DTM points that
are located near linework (breaklines).
BuildingFrame (3D faces) Create 3D faces inside closed 3D polylines (usually buildings) and
extend the sides to the ground.
Capt3d (3D streamed polylines) Allow convenient 3D polyline stream digitizing with
the option to toggle to point-to-point digitizing mode.
Changescale (Convert drawing units) Change the units of the drawing by multiplying all
object coordinates by a scale factor. Units available for conversion are meters,
centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet, and furlongs.
CheckLineElevation (Find “flat” lines and polylines) To automatically find and change the layer
of “flat” lines and polylines that have a total elevation range less than a given
tolerance.
Drawing/Editing
Command Purpose
Commands
(Continued)
Cleanup (Fix zero-length polylines) To delete two-vertex, zero-length 3D polylines
and/or to add 0.05 to the second vertex of any polyline that has the same Z
value on every vertex.
Culvert (Culverts) Draw culverts based on the location of the culvert ends.
Curb (Curbs) Add the curb and gutter offsets to a single polyline representing a
street edge or center line.
Dtmeditor (Edit XYZ data for SCOP) Edit XYZ data in the AutoCAD file so that the
(See Chapter 6) correct information can be sent to SCOP, which is a contour generation library
by INPHO GmbH. See Chapter 6.
Gridit (Coordinate grid and labels) Place objects (such as ticks, polylines, or blocks)
on a grid. Options are given for grid labels and formats.
Joinitit (Join polylines) Join two or more polylines together into one polyline.
(formerly called Join)
Drawing/Editing
Command Purpose
Commands
(Continued)
Lineslope (Measure slope grade) Digitize points at the bottom and top of a slope, place
a line, and place a label indicating the percent grade.
MeasureHeight (Label height of object) Digitize points at the base and top of an object; place
a block to show the location and text to show the height.
OpenUp (Open closed polylines) Open one or more closed polylines. Choose to either
keep or remove the closing segment.
Profiledtm (DTM Project) Set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project.
Psqr (Building squaring, 2D) Digitize and perform squaring on buildings and
other man-made objects that have sides at right angles to each other. Psqr uses
2D polylines.
Psqr3d (Building squaring, 3D) Digitize and perform squaring on buildings and
other man-made objects that have sides at right angles to each other. Psqr3d
uses 3D polylines.
Road (Road curb and gutter offsets) Starting with one road edge polyline, offset a
complete set of curb and gutter polylines.
SetBlockZ (Edit block Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a block. Assign the
stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign AutoCAD’s elev
setting if the system mouse is used.
SetObjectZ (Edit object Z) To change the elevation of an object. For objects that have
multiple vertices at varying elevations, it offsets each vertex by the elevation
difference (instead of flattening all elevations to the same value).
SetPointBlockZ (Edit block or point Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a point or block.
Assign the stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign
AutoCAD’s elev setting if the system mouse is used.
Drawing/Editing
Command Purpose
Commands
(Continued)
SetPointZ (Edit point Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a point. Assign the stereoplotter
elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign AutoCAD’s elev setting if the
system mouse is used.
Square (Square existing objects) Square the sides of existing polyline objects
according to an angle tolerance.
Stairs (Stairs and landings) Draw stairways with options for elevation, landings,
and aligning to buildings.
TinPolygons See “BuildingFrame” on page 5-25. The name has been changed.
Datemsnap Drive the stereoplotter to the (X,Y,Z) of a snapped-to point while 3dpoly,
Autoarc3d, Capt3d, Opsqr3d, or Psqr3d is active.
Profiledtm (DTM Project) Set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project.
Xsect (Cross sectioning) Create a cross section project and collect (X,Y,Z) data
along the cross sections.
Output Commands
Output
Command Purpose
Commands
Search Commands
Search
Command Purpose
Commands
Autolist (Easier than LIST) Display object information as the cursor passes over the
object. No button selections are necessary.
CheckLineElevation (Find “flat” lines and polylines) To automatically find and change the layer
of “flat” lines and polylines that have an elevation range less than a tolerance.
Crosscheck (Mark polyline intersections) Search for crossing or nearly crossing polylines
and mark the intersections or near-intersections.
Xyzout (Export objects) Select objects and export them to an ASCII output file.
Zcheck (Mark polyline intersections) Mark the point of intersection and the elevation
difference between polylines where they intersect in the (X,Y) plane.
Settings Commands
Settings
Command Purpose
Commands
Buttons (Switch programming) Edit the functions of the foot switches and other
stereoplotter buttons.
Inssetup and (Settings for ins) Make settings for the ins command. Inssetup activates a
-Inssetup dialog box, but -inssetup does not.
Setup (General settings) Change the settings listed in the DAT/EM capture
parameters dialog box.
SUPER/IMPOSITION Commands
SUPER/IMPOSITION
Command Purpose
Commands
Text Insertion
Command Purpose
Commands
Gridit (Coordinate grid and labels) Place objects (such as ticks, polylines, or blocks)
on a grid. Options are given for grid labels and formats.
Labelit (Elevation labels) Add elevation labels or blocks to polylines with options for
rotation and polyline breaking.
Lineslope (Measure slope grade) Digitize points at the bottom and top of a slope, place
a line, and place a label indicating the percent grade.
MeasureHeight (Label height of object) Digitize points at the base and top of an object; place
a block to show the location and text to show the height.
Profiledtm (DTM Project) Set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project.
Text Insertion
Command Purpose
Commands
(Continued)
Spotx and Spotxset (Spot elevations) Use spotxset to make settings for spotx. Use spotx to insert
spot elevation blocks and text.
Xyzin (Import from a file) Import text and other types of objects from an ASCII file.
Zcheck (Mark polyline intersections) Mark the point of intersection and the elevation
difference between polylines where they intersect in the (X,Y) plane. See also
Crosscheck.
View Commands
Closergview Change the AutoCAD view to (0,1,0) for a close-range project or to (0,0,1) for
an aerial project.
Datemrotate Rotate the screen view without changing the coordinates of the drawing. It is
often used so north will appear up on the screen. To remove the rotation, use
unrotatescreen.
3doffset
Purpose: To offset a 3D polyline so that the polylines look equidistant in the XY plane. The new polyline may also be
offset by a constant elevation difference.
The 3doffset command offers a convenient way to offset 3D polylines for mapping
purposes. The resulting polyline is an even distance from the original polyline when
y viewed in the XY plane, and has vertex elevations similar to the ones on the original
polyline. A constant elevation offset may also be specified. When using 3D polylines,
it is better to use DAT/EM’s 3doffset than AutoCAD’s offset command.
x
To use the 3doffset command, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Before starting the command, prepare the original poly16
Step 2) line. In order to know the left and right sides of the polyline,
find out which end of the polyline contains the first vertex and
which contains the last.
Step 3) Start the 3doffset command:
Command: 3doffset
Select a polyline <Last>:
Step 4) Select any polyline or accept the default to use the last digitized object.
Measure offset? No/<Yes>:
Step 5) Choose either to digitize the offset distance or to enter the distance using the keyboard:
a.) To select the offset distance with the digitizer, enter Yes. To the “Pick an offset point” prompt,
carefully position the digitizer (mouse or stereoplotter) at an XYZ position that would be on the
new offset polyline. That is, the digitized point should define both the side of the offset and the XY
and Z distances from the original polyline. Note that this option can be accessed more quickly from
the 3doffsetmeasure command. See “3doffsetmeasure” on page 5-12.
b.) To enter the offset distances using the keyboard, enter No. Three more prompts appear:
Side for new line Right/<Left>:
Select a point to the side where the new offset polyline should appear.
Enter an xy offset distance <>:
Either accept the default value or enter the distance in ground units from the original
polyline to the new polyline.
Enter a z offset value <>:
Enter the elevation offset. This number is entered in ground units, and may be positive or
negative. For example, if -5 is entered, each vertex on the new polyline will be set 5 units
less than the elevation of the nearest point on the original polyline.
The new polyline is drawn. The number of vertices found in the original polyline is reported.
3doffsetmeasure
Purpose: To offset a 3D polyline so that the polylines look equidistant in the XY plane. This command is the same as
the “Measure offset” option of 3doffset.
The 3doffsetmeasure command is the same as the “Measure offset” option of 3doffset. The 3doffsetmeasure skips
3doffset’s prompt that offers the user to enter the offset on the keyboard.
Step 2) Select any polyline or accept the default to use the last digitized object.
Pick and offset point
Step 3) Carefully position the digitizer (mouse or stereoplotter) at an XYZ position that would be on the
new offset polyline. That is, the digitized point should define both the side of the offset and the XY
and Z distances from the original polyline.
The new polyline is drawn.
Arc3d
Purpose: To draw a 3D polyline that alternates between point-to-point mode and arc mode. The “arcs” are true 3D arcs
that are simulated by line segments. This command is useful for close range projects.
Arc3d draws a 3D polyline that alternates between point-to-point mode and arc mode. Arc3d is used primarily for
close range projects. For aerial projects, use autoarc3d (page 5-17) instead:
Simulates an arc with line segments? Yes. True 3D arcs are not Yes. True 3D arcs are not possible in
possible in AutoCAD. AutoCAD.
Varies in elevation? Yes. Elevations are set so Yes. Elevations are interpolated
that the simulated arc between the three digitized points.
appears to be part of a The elevations are based on the
circle in 3D space. distance traveled in the XY plane.
AUTOARC3D
AUTOARC3D
(5,3.5,10)
(1,1,1)
(1,1,1)
ARC3D
(7,8,3)
When simulating an arc, Arc3d asks the user to choose the endpoints and the center point of the arc. Vertices, or
strokes, are added to the 3D polyline to simulate an arc shape.
3D arcs are simulated using a series of straight segments, or strokes. If set small enough, the
Arc3d
Step 2)
segments appear to be an arc at the plot scale. To change the number of strokes, enter S and enter a
new number:
Enter number of segments in a circle <100>:
Step 3) For this first point, either digitize a point, or enter a snapping command such as endp or ins and
snap to an object. Depending on the current arc mode, the next prompt will be one of the following:
Line to point /Undo/Close/Arc/Stroke/Retro
Second pt of Arc /Undo/Close/Line/Stroke:
• Press the digitizing Digitize a point on the polyline. Straight segment mode is the default setting
switch when arc3d starts.
• A Start a 3-point simulated arc. The 3-point arc mode is started. Pick a point
along the arc, then pick the end point of the arc. After the arc is complete, arc
digitizing mode remains active until L is entered.
• L Start a straight segment. Straight segment digitizing mode remains active until
A or is entered.
• <Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing, leaving arc3d active and ready to digitize
• “ ” (spacebar) button the next polyline.
hit once.
• <Enter><Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing and end the arc3d command.
• “ ” (spacebar) button
hit twice or
• <Esc><Esc>
Autoarc2d
Purpose: To draw 2D polylines in point-to-point mode, adding arc segments wherever necessary, and continuing with
straight segments when an arc is not required. autoarc2d is used primarily for digitizing roads with curves.
Step 3) To the first “From Point” prompt, either pick a point or enter a snapping command such as endp or
ins and snap to an object.
Step 4) Depending on the current arc or line mode, the next prompt will be one of the following:
Arc/3ptArc/Undo/Close/Retro<Endpoint of line>:
Line/3ptArc/Undo/Close/<Endpoint of line>:
• Press the digitizing Digitize a point on the polyline. Straight segment mode is the
switch default setting when autoarc2d starts.
• A or L Toggle from arc mode to line mode or from line mode to arc
mode. These letters are toggles rather than distinct settings, so
that just one digitizer button can be set to toggle the mode.
• <Enter><Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing and end the autoarc2d
• “ ” (spacebar) button command.
hit twice or
• <Esc><Esc>
Hint: Use editline to edit polylines created with autoarc2d or autoarc3d. See “Editline” on page 5-64.
Autoarc3d
Purpose: To draw a 3D polyline that alternates between point-to-point mode and arc mode. The “arcs” are simulated by
line segments. The result is intended to be viewed in the XY plane. Datemsnap may be used with autoarc3d.
Autoarc3d draws a 3D polyline that alternates between point-to-point mode and arc mode. Autoarc3d is used
primarily for digitizing roads that contain curves. For close range projects, use arc3d (See “Arc3d” on page 5-13):
Simulates an arc with line segments? Yes. True 3D arcs are not Yes. True 3D arcs are not possible in
possible in AutoCAD. AutoCAD.
Varies in elevation? Yes. Elevations are set so Yes. Elevations are interpolated
that the simulated arc between the three digitized points.
appears to be part of a The elevations are based on the
circle in 3D space. distance traveled in the XY plane.
AUTOARC3D
AUTOARC3D
(5,3.5,10)
(1,1,1)
(1,1,1)
ARC3D
(7,8,3)
Somewhere in space XY Plane
When simulating an arc, autoarc3d asks the user to choose the endpoints and the center point of the arc. Vertices, or
Autoarc3d
strokes, are added to the 3D polyline to simulate an arc shape. These vertices vary gradually in elevation from the
elevation of the first point to the middle point, and then again from the middle point to the end point.
• Note that Datemsnap will override autoarc3d’s own Plotter z[OFF] 2D snap setting.
• There is a difference between Datemsnap and autoarc3d’s own Plotter z[ON] setting.
Datemsnap will drive the stereoplotter to the 3D snap, but Plotter z[ON] will allow the 3D
snap without moving the stereoplotter to the point.
Step 2) (Optional) Set a digitizer button to toggle the mode. Set Type=User CAD and Action=A (“A”
followed by a blank space character). See “Buttons” on page 5-27 for further instructions.
Step 3) Select the keypad or menu item for autoarc3d, or type the command and choose the option:
Command: autoarc3d
From point/Stroke/Plotter z[OFF]:
Step 4) 3D arcs are simulated using a series of straight segments, or strokes. If set small enough, the
segments appear to be an arc at the plot scale. To change the number of strokes, enter S and enter a
new number:
Enter number of segments in a circle for 3d arc simulation <64>:
Step 5) If snapping to other objects when Datemsnap is off, enter P to toggle the setting as follows:
• To snap to the X,Y location of the other object, but use the stereoplotter’s elevation, turn [on]
the stereoplotter Z setting.
• To snap to the X,Y, and Z location of the other object, turn [off] the stereoplotter Z setting.
Step 6) For this first point, either pick a point, or enter a snapping command such as endp or ins and snap
to an object. Depending on the current arc mode, the next prompt will be one of the following:
Line to point /Undo/Close/Arc/Stroke/Retro/Plotter z[OFF]:
Line to point /Undo/Close/Line/Stroke/Retro/Plotter z[OFF]:
• Press the digitizing Digitize a point. Note that Straight segment mode is the default setting when
switch autoarc3d starts.
• A or L Toggle from arc mode to line mode or from line mode to arc mode. These
letters are toggles rather than distinct settings, so that just one digitizer button
can be set to toggle the mode.
• To snap to the X,Y, and Z location of the other object, turn [off]
the stereoplotter Z setting. (If Datemsnap is on, the stereoplotter
will also move to the snapped-to point.)
• Enter an AutoCAD Snap to another object and continue. (If Datemsnap is on, the stereoplotter
snapping command will move to the (X,Y,Z) location of the snapped-to point.)
such as ENDP
• <Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing, leaving autoarc3d active and ready to
• “ ” (spacebar) button digitize the next polyline.
hit once.
• <Enter><Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing and end the autoarc3d command.
• “ ” (spacebar) key hit
twice or
• <Esc><Esc>
Hint: Use editline to edit polylines created with autoarc2d or autoarc3d. See “Editline” on page 5-64.
Autolist
Purpose: To display object information as the system cursor passes over the object. No button selections are necessary.
This is a separate .arx command activated by autolist.arx.
Step 3) If it is not already highlighted, select the ON button on the Autolist box.
Step 4) Place the system mouse cursor over an object in the AutoCAD drawing. A list of the object’s
properties appears next to the cursor. Note that the system mouse must be used; the stereoplotter
cursor does not activate the Autolist display.
Step 5) Select OFF at any time to turn off the Autolist command. The Autolist dialog box remains on the
screen. It may be turned ON again any time.
BlockRotate
BlockRotateLast
Purpose: To rotate existing blocks based on their block name, layer, and/or location inside a closed polyline.
BlockRotate activates a settings dialog; BlockRotateLast does not.
Three runs of
BlockRotate
Step 4) Or, to run the command using the most recent settings, but without activating the dialog box, enter
the BlockRotateLast command:
Command: blockrotatelast
BreaklineFilter
Purpose: Change the layer of DTM points or blocks that are located near linework (breaklines).
Breaklinefilter
+
freeze the move-to layer
The breaklinefilter command changes the layer of DTM points or blocks that are located near linework. To use
breaklinefilter, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Prepare the DTM points and/or blocks and the polylines that will be used with breaklinefilter.
Step 2) Start the breaklinefilter command:
Command: breaklinefilter
Step 4)
Step 5) Select Process. At the end of processing, a message box appears to display the number of points
and blocks moved to the Move To Layer.
After the points and/or blocks have been moved to the Move To Layer, they may be selected separately from the
remaining DTM points or blocks. They may be deleted or saved according to the user’s preference.
Brush
Purpose: To insert brush tick block symbols along a polyline representing a brush line.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block rotation angle and select the
desired Planimetric Patterning setting.
To insert ticks on brush lines, type brush and choose the 2D or 3D polylines to pattern:
Command: brush
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more polylines or enter L to use the most recently digitized object. The computer then prompts:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until <Enter> is pressed. Several
options may be changed before the blocks are actually inserted:
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing in ground units.
BuildingFrame
(Formerly TinPolygons)
Purpose: Create 3D faces inside closed 3D polylines (usually buildings) and extend the sides to the ground.
For simplicity, all closed polylines will be called “buildings”. This is usually a closed
polyline digitized along the roof of a building.
Step 3) Select Apply to run the command. Run again with different input, or close the dialog when
finished.
SUMMIT EVOLUTION’s 3D Vector Split View and its Light 3D Faces option are useful for viewing the results.
BuildingFrame
Buttons
Purpose: To activate the Button Manager application to set the functions of the stereoplotter cursor device’s buttons and
switches.
The Button Manager application sets the actions of the 3D cursor device buttons and/or foot pedal(s). The button
manager command activates the application, which runs outside of AutoCAD.
Complete instructions for the Button Manager appear in the SUMMIT EVOLUTION Operation Manual or the
supplemental documentation supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE for analog and analytical stereoplotters.
Capt2d
Purpose: To digitize elevation contours. Capt2d creates 2D polylines with elevations rounded off to the nearest contour
interval. Data capture may be toggled between stream and point-to-point digitizing.
Capt2d was designed for digitizing elevation contours, which are stream mode 2D polylines with elevations rounded
off to the nearest contour interval. (If rounding is not desired, set the contour interval to zero.)
To use capt2d, use the following quick guide. Details for each step appear below.
To start capt2d, select a layer for the polyline, then select capt2d from the keypad or enter capt2d,
Capt2d
Command: capt2d
Polyline from point/(S)treaming [ON]:
The rounded elevation (the elevation that will be assigned to the polyline) will be displayed at the lower left corner of
the AutoCAD screen next to the (X,Y, true Z) coordinate display. This rounded elevation will only be displayed when
capt2d is active.
After the first few points have been digitized, more options appear in the prompt:
• Digitize a stream of vertices as the cursor moves: Entering S toggles the stream and point-to-point
modes. If the prompt indicates streaming is on, activate the stereoplotter’s “pen down” status and move
the cursor to start stream digitizing. On most stereoplotters, press the digitizing switch one time to
activate the “pen down” stream mode. On other stereoplotters, hold down the digitizing switch. Vertices
are collected automatically as the cursor moves.
• Digitize individual vertices using point-to-point mode: Entering S toggles the stream and
point-to-point modes. If the prompt indicates streaming is off, press the digitizing switch to add one
vertex to the polyline.
• Toggle stream and point-to-point digitizing: The data capture mode may be toggled between stream
and point-to-point digitizing by entering S<space><space>. The prompt indicates whether streaming is
on or off.
• Undo: Enter U to remove the last vertex without ending the polyline. This option may be used
repeatedly to remove all but the first vertex.
• Close and end the polyline: Enter C to close and end the polyline.
• Snap to other objects: First activate point-to-point digitizing mode by entering S to toggle to the
point-to-point digitizing mode. Enter transparent AutoCAD snap commands such as ‘osnap and snap to
other objects.
• End the polyline: To end the polyline without closing, press the switch programmed for a space, “ ”.
(See “Buttons” on page 5-27.)
The density of vertex capture during stream digitizing is regulated by the “collecting data” variables curvature angle
and XY distance entered in the setup dialog box. (See “Setup” on page 5-112.)
Since the DAT/EM MAP/EDITOR filter routine can be used to remove excess points from polylines, it is best to set the
spline filtering parameters to sample just a few too many points. The vertices left after filtering are all in their original
locations, so filtering a concentrated polyline is usually better than having to curve fit a sparse polyline to fill in
missing data.
Capt3d
Purpose: To allow convenient 3D polyline stream digitizing with the option to toggle to point-to-point digitizing mode.
This command is very useful for digitizing 3D breaklines for use with contour generation packages.
Datemsnap may be used with capt3d.
To use capt3d, use the following quick guide. Details for each step appear below.
To start capt3d, set a layer, then select capt3d from the keypad or enter the capt3d command,
Capt3d
Command: capt3d
Polyline from point/(P)lotter z [ON]/(S)treaming [ON]:
After the first few points have been digitized, more options appear in the prompt:
• Digitize a stream of vertices as the cursor moves: If the prompt indicates streaming is on, activate the
stereoplotter’s “pen down” status and move the cursor to start stream digitizing. On most stereoplotters,
press the digitizing switch one time to activate the “pen down” stream mode. On other stereoplotters,
hold down the digitizing switch. Vertices are collected automatically as the cursor moves.
• Digitize one vertex using point-to-point mode: If the prompt indicates streaming is off, press the
digitizing switch to add one vertex to the polyline.
• Toggle stream and point-to-point digitizing: The data capture mode may be toggled between stream
and point-to-point digitizing by entering S<space><space>. The prompt indicates whether streaming is
on or off.
• Toggle the use of the stereoplotter’s Z for snapping: If snapping to X, Y, and Z of another object, set
Plotter z to OFF. If snapping to only the X and Y location of another object, set Plotter z to ON. To
toggle the setting, enter P.
• Undo: Enter U to remove the last vertex without ending the polyline. This option may be used
repeatedly to remove all but the first vertex.
• Snap to other objects: Enter transparent AutoCAD snap commands such as ‘osnap or endp and snap to
other objects. Use this option while in point-to-point digitizing mode. If Datemsnap is on, the
stereoplotter will drive to the (X,Y,Z) location of the snapped-to point. See “Datemsnap” on page 5-46.
• Close and end the polyline: Enter C to close and end the polyline.
• End the polyline: To end the polyline without closing, press the switch programmed for a space, “ ”.
(See “Buttons” on page 5-27.)
The density of vertex capture during stream digitizing is regulated by the “collecting data” variables curvature angle,
XY distance, and Z distance entered in the setup dialog box. (See “Setup” on page 5-112.)
The primary distance filter for capt3d is the XY distance. The Z distance is used for special Digital Terrain Model
(DTM) work, where a 3D Polyline point should be sampled if the elevation changes. Often, the Z distance is set quite
high to disable it from influencing the sampling of normal contouring work. In a similar manner, when doing DTM
projects, set the XY distance quite high to disable it, set the Curvature angle to zero, and then sample only on the basis
of elevation change using the Z distance filter.
Since the DAT/EM MAP/EDITOR filter routine can be used to remove excess points from polylines, it is best to set the
spline filtering parameters to sample just a few too many points. The vertices left after filtering are all in their original
locations, so filtering a concentrated polyline is usually better than having to curve fit a sparse polyline to fill in
missing data.
Changescale
Purpose: To change the units of the drawing by multiplying all object coordinates by a scale factor. Units available for
conversion are meters, centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet, and furlongs.
The changescale command multiplies every coordinate contained in every object of the file by a conversion factor.
For mapping purposes, this effectively changes the ground units of the drawing. Units available for conversion are
meters, centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet, and furlongs.
Changescale should be generally considered an editing tool. If it is used during map compilation, then a new
orientation must be performed using the new ground units.
Command: changescale
Select the original drawing units Select the new drawing units
When OK is selected, the conversion factor will be multiplied times every coordinate contained in every object in the
file.
Rescaling to or from English and Metric units will leave elevation contours with decimal elevations. For example,
when changing from feet to meters, the 100 ft, 125 ft, and 150 ft contours will obtain elevations of 30.48 m, 38.10 m,
and 45.72 m. It is recommended that elevation contours be regenerated with the new ground units when necessary.
CheckLineElevation
CheckLineElevationLast, Check3D, Check3DLast
Purpose: To automatically find and change the layer of “flat” lines and polylines that have a total elevation range less
than a given tolerance. CheckLineElevation activates a settings dialog; CheckLineElevationLast does not.
Check3d and Check3dLast are alternate keyins for the same commands.
CheckLineElevation is a quality control tool. It searches the AutoCAD drawing for “flat” lines and polylines. A line
or polyline is considered “flat” if its total elevation range is less than the given tolerance. Any lines and polylines that
are found are changed to a different layer. The user can then view and edit them based on layer.
Step 3) Or, to run the command using the most recent settings, but without activating the dialog box, enter
the CheckLineElevationLast or Check3DLast command:
Command: check3dlast
Step 4) A message shows how many lines/polylines were found. View the contents of the Change to
Layer and edit as desired.
Cleanup
Purpose: To delete two-vertex, zero-length 3D polylines and/or to add 0.05 to the second vertex of any polyline that has
the same Z value on every vertex.
The cleanup<version>.arx application must be loaded in AutoCAD in order for the cleanup command to work.
This command was designed for a customer whose third-party application left many point-like polylines in each
AutoCAD file. The following shows a LIST of a two-vertex, zero-length 3D polyline:
ClipPoints
Purpose: To clip (find and delete) points inside of polylines. Clipping may be specified either by object or by layer.
ClipPoints clips:
• Interior only
• Points only
Hint: Use ClipPoints to process interior clipping of point objects only. To process other object types such as blocks
and polylines, or to perform exterior clipping, use DatClip instead. See “DatClip” on page 5-44 above.
Step 3) When the settings are complete, select the Clip button. The status bar shows clipping progress.
When the clipping is complete, either select new clip settings, or select Close to end the command.
Closergview
Purpose: To change the AutoCAD view to (0,1,0) for a close-range project or to (0,0,1) for an aerial project.
In aerial photogrammetry, the most common AutoCAD viewpoint is (0,0,1), so that the user looks at the X,Y plane
and uses Z for elevation. In close-range photogrammetry, the Y and Z axis are often swapped to give (0,1,0) as the
view; Y is used for “depth” changes, and the user looks at the X,Z plane.
Closergview, or “Close Range View” is used to quickly toggle the viewpoint between (0,0,1) and (0,1,0). To change
the view, select the keypad or menu item, or enter the command:
Command: closergview
<Aerial view>/Close range view:
Enter A for a viewpoint of (0,0,1). Enter C for the close-range viewpoint of (0,1,0). The command uses AutoCAD’s
dview twist to change the viewpoint.
Contourdown
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) To move the stereoplotter down one
contour interval in elevation.
To move the analytical or digital stereoplotter down by one contour interval, use the contourdown command:
Command: contourdown
If the stereoplotter has computer-driven move capabilities, the stereoplotter will be moved down in elevation
immediately.
The contour interval value is set in the setup dialog box. See “Setup” on page 5-112.
Contourup
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) To move the stereoplotter up one contour
interval in elevation.
To move the analytical or digital stereoplotter up by one contour interval, use the contourup command:
Command: contourup
If the stereoplotter has computer-driven move capabilities, the stereoplotter will be moved up in elevation
immediately.
The contour interval value is set in the setup dialog box. See “Setup” on page 5-112.
Crosscheck
Purpose: To search for crossing polylines and mark the intersections.
The crosscheck command finds and marks polyline intersections. Intersections are found where:
Command: crosscheck
A dialog box allows selections to specify the polylines and the mark:
Make settings:
• Radius of marking circle is in ground
units. When an intersection is found, a
circle is placed around the intersection.
• Layer is the layer for the marking circles.
Either select an existing layer from the
pop-down list, or enter a new layer in the
field and check on Create layer if it
doesn’t exist.
Select the layers and specify the mark options. The mark is an AutoCAD circle drawn at the specified size on the
specified layer.
Culvert
Purpose: To draw culverts based on the location of the culvert ends.
To show a culvert running under a surface and emptying on either side, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Select the CULVERT layer on the keypad overlay or menu diagram. Then select culvert or enter,
Command: culvert
First Point/Symbol size = n:
Step 2) To change the size of the culvert end symbol, enter S and enter the new size.
First Point/Symbol size = n: S
Enter symbol size <n>: 10
Step 3) When the size is correct, digitize the ends of the culvert:
First Point/Symbol size = n: (digitize one end)
Second Point: (digitize the other end)
The pipe part of the culvert is drawn as a line with “hidden” linetype. The two culvert ends are indicated by v-shaped
lightweight polylines with “bylayer” linetype.
Curb
CurbLast, CurbFilename <filename with path.reg>
Purpose: To add the curb and gutter offsets to a single polyline representing a street edge or center line. Curb activates
a settings dialog and runs the command; curblast runs the command using the most recent settings;
curbfilename <filename with path.reg> runs the command using the settings from a file.
(Curb backs and tops are shown offset in X,Y for demonstration purposes. Offset elevations vary.)
Curb activates a settings dialog box, then draws the curb lines. Curblast draws the curb lines using the most recent
curb or curbfilename settings, but does not activate the dialog box. Curbfilename <filename with path.reg> draws
curb offsets using the settings stored in a file. The settings file for curbfilename may be created using the Save
button on the curb dialog, and it may be stored anywhere on the local computer or its network.
Step 2) To activate the settings box and draw the curb, use the curb command:
Command: curb
Select a polyline <Last>:
Or, to draw the curb using the settings from the most recent run of curb or curbfilename, use
the curblast command:
Command: curblast
Select a polyline <Last>:
Or, to draw the curb using the settings stored in a file, use the curbfilename command:
Curb
Step 3) Select a polyline or accept L to use the most recently drawn object. A dialog box appears.
Step 4) Set the selected polyline to be either the center line of the road or the top of the curb. If Centerline is
selected, select curbs/gutters to appear on the right, left, or on both sides of the selected polyline.
Step 5) Check on all desired offset components, Curb Top, Curb Bottom, Curb Back, Gutter. The Curb
Top section will not be available if the selected polyline is already set as the curb top. If an offset is
not checked, it will not be drawn.
Set the layer for each offset. To make a new layer, select the New... button and type in a new name.
Curb
Step 6)
Accept the layer with the OK button. The new layer is created in AutoCAD immediately and the
main dialog box returns. Note that even if the main dialog box is canceled, any new layers that were
made still exist.
Step 7) Make X,Y, and Z offset settings for the components of the curb. If the curbs are made according to
standard sizes, then the offsets may be entered using the keyboard. To measure the distances with
the stereoplotter, check on the Measure box.
Step 8) To save the current settings, select the Save button. Both the curbfilename command and the Load
button can use the resulting .reg file. To return all settings to the defaults, select the Reset button.
Step 9) When all settings are made, select OK. If necessary, prompts will appear to digitize offset
distances. Then the offsets are drawn and the command ends.
DatClip
(formerly called Clipit)
Purpose: To clip (delete) objects inside or outside of polylines. Clipping may be specified either by object or by layer.
ode
ior m
exter
interior mode
The clipit<version>.arx application must be loaded in AutoCAD in Hint: Use datclip to process a combination
order for the datclip command to work. To run the datclip command, of object types and to perform interior and/or
perform the following steps: exterior clipping. To process interior clipping
of point objects only, use ClipPoints instead.
Step 1) Start the datclip command: Although datclip can process interior clipping
of points successfully, ClipPoints can do it
Command: datclip faster. See “ClipPoints” on page 5-35 below.
Step 3) When the settings are complete, select the Clip button. The status bar shows clipping progress.
Step 4) When the clipping is complete, either select new clip settings, or select Close to end the command.
Datemrotate
Purpose: To rotate the screen view without changing the coordinates of the drawing. It is often used to make north
appear straight up on the screen.
The datemrotate command activates AutoCAD's dview twist command, and rotates the view to match the
stereoplotter model. It is especially helpful when North on the stereo model is not aligned along the stereoplotter's y
direction.
For example, if north is to the right on the photos, then when the stereoplotter moves to the right, the cursor on the
screen moves up. This is very distracting to the user. datemrotate is used so the direction of the cursor movement is
the same as the stereoplotter movement.
Pick datemrotate on the keypad or user menu, or type in the datemrotate command:
Command: datemrotate
Pick a point: (digitize a point with the stereoplotter)
Move straight up on the stereoplotter and pick a point.
(in the direction of Y axis): (move up and digitize again)
Almost any point may be picked. Just make sure there is room to move up in the stereoplotter's Y direction to take the
second point:
Datemsnap
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) Drive the stereoplotter to the (X,Y,Z) of a
snapped-to point while 3dpoly or Autoarc3d is active.
The datemsnap command drives the stereoplotter to the (X,Y,Z) location of a snapped-to point. The stereoplotter
must have computer-directed move capabilities. Digital stereoplotters and most analytical stereoplotters will be able
to use this command.
Step 3) Start the desired 3D command. Datemsnap checks if certain 3D commands are active, and does not
affect other commands.
Step 4) When the snap is desired, either use an active ‘osnap snap or enter an AutoCAD snapping
command such as endp or nea. When the snapping point is digitized, the stereoplotter will be
driven to the (X,Y,Z) of the snapping location.
Step 5) When finished using 3D snaps, turn off the snapping command:
Command: datemsnap
<On,Off>: off
DatemSnap is off
Datmove
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) Move the analytical or digital
stereoplotter to a control point or user-specified coordinate.
The datmove command allows the user to direct the analytical or digital stereoplotter to move to a specified
coordinate. The stereoplotter must have computer-directed move capabilities.
To activate the datmove dialog box, choose the keypad or menu item, or enter,
Command: datmove
Select either a control point or a user-entered point, select the coordinate, then use the Move button.
Datpan
Purpose: To perform a transparent view zoom whenever the stereoplotter’s cursor approaches the edge of the AutoCAD
graphics view.
It is often convenient to perform a transparent view pan. A transparent pan will not cancel or interfere with any other
active command. The datpan command activates a transparent zoom center command whenever the stereoplotter’s
cursor approaches the edge of the video screen.
To activate datpan, select the keypad or menu key or enter the command,
Command: datpan
<Off>/On/Percent:
Off Turn off view panning. The cursor will be able to move out of the view.
On Turn on view panning. The cursor will never move out of the view; when it
approaches the edge of the view, a Zoom Center will be performed.
P Control the location of the cursor when the Zoom Center takes place. This value may
be set between 0% and 100%.
• 100% would cause a Zoom Center whenever the cursor moved at all;
the cursor would appear to remain in the center of the view at all times.
• 50% would cause a Zoom Center when the cursor moved half the
distance from the center to the edge of the view.
• 10% would cause a Zoom Center when the cursor moved nine-tenths
the distance from the center to the edge of the view.
Dep
Purpose: To insert depression tick block symbols along a depression contour.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block rotation angle and select the
desired Planimetric Patterning setting.
To insert ticks on depression contours, select the keypad or menu item or enter the dep command:
Command: dep
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more depression contours (polylines) or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The
computer then prompts:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until <Enter> is pressed. Several
options may be changed before the blocks are actually inserted:
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing in ground units.
Depression
Purpose: To automatically find existing depression contours and either pattern them with blocks or change their layer.
To automatically find existing depression contours and either pattern them with blocks or change their layer, perform
the following steps:
Step 1) Prepare the drawing file. The file should have existing elevation contours:
• All contours, depression and rising, may be on the same layer. (If depression contours are
already on a different layer, “Dep” on page 5-49 above may be a better choice.)
• All contours must be accurate in 3D. That is, they should be 2D or 3D polylines with Z
equal to the ground elevation.
• The drawing should contain depression indicators, which may be blocks, points, or 3D
polylines (breaklines) at the lowest elevations. There should be at least one depression
indicator inside the area of each depression contour.
Start the depression command and start to make settings in the dialog box:
Depression
Step 3)
Command: depression
DTMdistributor
Purpose: To combine two or more DTM point sets into a single set; to redistribute DTM points at a new grid interval.
The DTMdistributor command is used to combine overlapping sets of DTM points into one non-overlapping set at a
new grid interval.
Distribute DTMs
Input from layers and/or files Output into layers and/or files
Points in the current drawing file may be used as input. To use points, select the Drawing Input tab
DTMdistributor
Step 3)
and select layers that contain points. Note that Drawing Input and Match Files input can be used
at the same time.
Step 4) If Inpho MATCH-T output files are available, select the Match Files tab. Use the Browse for
Match Files button to select each MATCH-T xyz, yxz, dtm, and/or dem file. Note that Drawing
Input and Match Files input can be used at the same time.
Step 5)
Step 6) If desired, select each tab again to verify that all necessary settings are correct.
Step 7) Select the Distribute button to create the new DTM point distribution and output formats.
DTMeditor
Purpose: To edit XYZ point data in the AutoCAD file.
The DTMeditor command edits points that are in the currently open AutoCAD file.
Continue to make settings and choose an editing operation in the DTM Editor dialog box:
DTMeditor
Step 3)
Step 4) After Measure, Set, or Shift is finished, a message appears to show how many objects were edited.
The DTM Editor box reappears.
Step 5) Continue editing objects. Select Close when finished.
DTMit
Purpose: To set up a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project and digitize XYZ data on a grid.
DTMit manages inclusion and exclusion areas, grid placement and view, objects for placement, and movement
options. It is the most useful on stereoplotters that have computer-driven move capabilities, such as SUMMIT
EVOLUTION and most analytical stereoplotters.
DTM digitizing on analog stereoplotter is often considered too complicated and time consuming, because the user
must perform all of the XY stereoplotter movement manually. However, if an analog stereoplotter is the only choice
available, some of the movement options may be simulated with a mechanical axis-locking bar. Follow the
manufacturer’s directions for using such a device. DTM digitizing is easier on an analog stereoplotter that has
SUPER/IMPOSITION, because the user can see the grid point markers without looking away from the images.
Digitize new inclusion and exclusion areas or verify that they already exist:
DTMit
Step 2)
a.) Although 2D polylines will work, it is recommended to draw all inclusion and exclusion
boundaries using 3D polylines at the ground elevation. The 3D polylines are especially important if
using SUPER/IMPOSITION, so that the boundaries and grid markers are visible at ground elevation.
b.) The grid marker elevations are calculated based on the elevation of the inclusion and exclusion
boundaries. Be aware that most stereoplotters will drive to the XYZ of the first grid marker, so do
not draw the boundaries at Z=0 unless the project is near sea level!
c.) Inclusion and exclusion boundaries may be drawn either clockwise or counterclockwise.
d.) Inclusion and exclusion boundaries may either be placed on separate layers or selected individually.
It is the user’s choice whether to use separate layers, or even many different layers, for inclusion
and exclusion areas polylines.
Step 4)
Step 6)
Step 7) Now choose the Select tab and select the inclusion and exclusion polylines or layers:
There are two methods to specify the Include areas. They are
Select tab both used at the same time during grid calculations:
• To select individual polylines on any layer, select Objects
and then click on the Begin selecting objects/layers
button. Select every polyline to be used as an inclusion
boundary, then press the <Enter> key to return to the dialog.
• To select all objects on certain layers, select Layers. Then
there are two choices for obtaining the layer names:
Note that all objects and layers are used during grid
calculation, regardless of the radio button status. This allows
you to select by layer and by object for the same run.
Step 8)
With either the mouse or the stereoplotter, select near the grid point or area where digitizing
should begin. The stereoplotter drives to the grid point that is nearest to the selected point, and
the data collection mode begins.
Step 10) If the grid point markers were checked on, the grid appears as points in the drawing. Verify that the
grid has been calculated in the correct XY locations. Remember, the grid point markers are not at
the ground Z. They are not data points, they are a tool for viewing the calculated grid.
Step 11) A prompt appears:
Measure point (Cancel to skip/Return to dialog/Toggle DTG(now off)/Undo):
1. In DTM projects, the “Pick” and “Cancel” switches are used repeatedly. For the user’s comfort, the most
easy-to-use switches should be programmed to these functions. See “Buttons” on page 5-27 for instructions.
Step 12) If SUPER/IMPOSITION is present, make sure the settings are convenient for the user. The following
are hints and troubleshooting ideas for DTMit with SUPER/IMPOSITION:
a.) While the Show Grid markers are convenient for checking the grid calculation, they may be
distracting during digitizing. Use the transparent ‘layer command to freeze the grid marker
layer without interrupting DTMit.
b.) If using SUMMIT EVOLUTION, try different SUPER/IMPOSITION Clip Scope settings. Some users
may like the way Clip Scope makes the marker disappear when the cursor is very close to it.
c.) If grid markers do not appear on the SUPER/IMPOSITION display, check that SI is turned ON in
AutoCAD and that POINT display is on in the SUPER/IMPOSITION client or in SUMMIT
EVOLUTION’s SI settings. SUMMIT EVOLUTION users should check the Clip Scope setting.
d.) If two different grid markers appear at the current grid location, it is because Show grid and
Indicate the grid location in SI are both on. They appear at different elevations because the
Show grid point is based on the inclusion/exclusion area elevations, and the Indicate... point
is based on the elevation of the last digitized point. To reduce the number of points displayed in
SUPER/IMPOSITION, simply freeze the Show grid layer using the transparent ‘layer command.
Edbox
Purpose: The edbox command is a tool to keep track of edited areas on a drawing.
The edbox command is a tool to keep track of edited areas on a drawing. Edit boxes are useful to avoid gaps in the
edited area, and they make it easier for two people to edit the same project.
Use edbox to place box-shaped blocks over a newly digitized drawing. Completely edit the area under a box, then
erase the box. When the boxes are all gone, the project is completely edited.
First start the command and define the entire area of box coverage:
Command: edbox
Box from point:
Box to point:
Select opposite corners of the area to be covered. Then define the box block size:
Select opposite corners defining the size of an individual box. The box size should be defined so all objects in the box
can be edited without zooming smaller than the box.
Editline
Purpose: To edit polylines. Choose from the following functions:
1. End: Append to an end or replace an end section with a new series of straight segments and/or arcs;
2. Inner: Replace an interior section with a new series of straight segments and/or arcs;
3. Join: Join two polylines (or selected portions of two polylines) by drawing a new series of straight
segments and/or arcs between them;
4. ShiftZ: Edit the elevation of individual vertices within a 3D polyline; edit the elevation of a 2D polyline.
Editline End
Select end of polyline
and draw new section.
Original
polyline Finish.
Editline Join
Select ends of
polylines and
Two original draw new section Finish.
polylines
Editline ShiftZ
Z=5998.00 Set the correct Z=11.26
Z=11.24 elevation and Z=11.24
Z=11.28 Z=11.28
select the vertex.
Z=-999.99 Repeat. Z=11.27
Z=11.25 Z=11.25
Note: For a 2D polyline, the entire line is changed to the new elevation.
Step 2)
a.) End: To replace an end section of a polyline with a new section, enter E, e, or end.
Select polyline break point:
Select the point on the polyline where the new section is to connect. The closest end
section is removed and a drawing prompt appears. Go on to the next step for
information about drawing the new section.
b.) Inner: To replace an interior section of one polyline with a new section, enter I, i, or inner.
Select first break point:
Select second break point:
Select the ends of the polyline section that is to be replaced. The section that will be
removed is highlighted in red and a digitizing prompt appears. Go on to the next step
for information about drawing the new section.
c.) Join: To replace the end sections of two polylines, draw a new section, and join all three parts
together into one polyline, enter J, j, or join.
Select first polyline break point:
Select second polyline break point:
Select the points on the first and second polylines where the new section is to connect.
The polylines may be 2D or 3D. Note that if one polyline is 3D, the result is 3D. If
both polylines are 2D, the result is 2D.
Now choose the correct ends to remove. The first polyline turns green on the end that
is to be saved and red on the end that is to be removed. A prompt appears:
If the red end is the correct end to remove, select A or <Enter>. To remove the green
end instead, enter O, o, or Opposite; the red highlight changes to indicate the other
end of the polyline. Repeat for the second polyline.
The red highlights remain on the screen to show the end sections that are to be
removed. A digitizing prompt appears. Go on to the next step for information about
drawing the new section.
If using the stereoplotter to digitize, set the stereoplotter to the correct elevation, then
pick a 3D polyline’s vertex or a 2D polyline entity with the stereoplotter’s digitizing
switch. If using the system mouse to digitize, first use AutoCAD’s elev command to
set the correct elevation, then use editline ShiftZ and pick with the mouse. Repeat as
necessary for other vertices. Enter <Esc> to exit the ShiftZ prompt and return to the
other editline options.
Digitize the new section. The digitizing prompt is different depending on whether the original
Editline
Step 3)
polyline is 2D or 3D. The combined 2D and 3D choices are as follows:
• <Enter> or spacebar Finish the new polyline section and complete editline.
• P Use this option only when DAT/EM CAPTURE is running and the
stereoplotter is used as the digitizer. Toggle the elevation setting
to be used when snapping to other objects:
• To snap to the X,Y location of the other object, but use the
stereoplotter’s elevation, turn [on] the stereoplotter Z setting.
• To snap to the X,Y, and Z location of the other object, turn [off]
the stereoplotter Z setting.
Step 4) Input <Enter> to finish the new section and end the editline command.
Fence
Purpose: To insert fence tick block symbols along digitized fence polylines.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block rotation angle and select the
desired Planimetric Patterning setting.
Select the Fence keypad or menu item or type fence at the command prompt:
Command: fence
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The computer then prompts:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until <Enter> is pressed. Several
options may be changed before the blocks are actually inserted:
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing in ground units.
Grail
Purpose: To insert guard rail block symbols along a digitized guard rail polyline.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block rotation angle and select the
desired Planimetric Patterning setting.
Select the Guard Rail keypad or menu item, or type grail. The computer prompts:
Command: grail
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The computer then prompts:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until <Enter> is pressed. Several
options may be changed before the blocks are actually inserted:
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing in ground units.
Gridit
Purpose: To place objects (such as ticks, polylines, or blocks) on a grid. Options are given for grid labels and formats.
The gridit command is often used at the edit stage to insert the map sheet grid with northing and easting grid text. It
may also be used for a variety of other grid types, including a Digital Terrain Modeling-type grid.
Gridit Example 1
Gridit
Gridit Example 2
Gridit
Ins
Purpose: To quickly and repeatedly insert blocks or points using the settings made by inssetup or -inssetup.
Ins is a function that offers quick and repeated block or point insertion. This command is often called along with
-inssetup from the .kds keypad overlay or menu diagram definition file in the symbol insertion section. For example,
to insert a series of runway light blocks at a selected scale, a keypad key is programmed as follows:
-LAYER{RET}SET{RET}UTILITIES{RET}-INSSETUP{RET}S{RET}INS{RET}RLIGHT{RET}
Step 4) To the “Block name” prompt, enter the block name if necessary. The block name will appear
automatically if it was set with the inssetup dialog box. Note that this prompt does not appear if
placing points.
Block name (NAME)/?: (enter the block name if necessary)
Step 5) To the “Undo/Pick point” prompt, digitize the insertion location for the block or point.
Undo/Pick point: (digitize the insertion location)
Step 6) If the “Scale”, “Rotate”, or “Scale and Rotate” prompt appears, digitize a second point to define the
scale and/or rotation angle for the block. Note that this prompt may not appear for some settings.
Scale and Rotate: (digitize the scale/rotation)
Step 7) Whenever necessary, enter U to undo (remove) the last inserted block or point.
Step 8) If desired, repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 to insert more blocks or points.
Note that the shot command is still available to insert blocks, but ins now has all the functionality of shot (see “Shot”
on page 5-116.). Additionally, inssetup and ins can insert blocks on a specified non-current layer.
This ins and inssetup/-inssetup commands work together to make block or point insertion settings, then quickly and
repeatedly insert blocks or points. Inssetup activates a dialog box to make settings for the ins command. -Inssetup
works on the command line and does not activate a dialog box. Inssetup offers one layer setting that -inssetup does
not, but most of the settings for ins can be made interchangeably by either inssetup or -inssetup.
To use the -inssetup command to make command line settings for ins, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Start the -inssetup command:
Command: -inssetup
One/Rotate/Scale/(A)ll/Point:
Step 2) Enter the desired letter option to make settings for the ins command:
a.) Enter the letter O to insert a block each time the digitizing switch is pressed.
b.) Enter R to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick is the insertion
point, and the second pick defines the block rotation angle.
c.) Enter S to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick is the insertion
point, and the second pick defines the block scale factor.
d.) Enter A to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick is the insertion
point, and the second pick defines both the rotation angle and the block scale factor.
e.) Enter P to insert an AutoCAD POINT each time the digitizing switch is pressed.
Step 3) Use the ins command to insert blocks or points at any time after -inssetup is finished. Note that any
settings made later with the inssetup dialog box override settings made previously with -inssetup.
Because -inssetup does not activate a dialog box, the -inssetup and ins commands are often programmed together on
the DATEM KEYPAD. For example, to insert a series of runway light blocks at a selected angle, a keypad key is
programmed as follows:
-LAYER{RET}SET{RET}UTILITIES{RET}-INSSETUP{RET}R{RET}INS{RET}RLIGHT{RET}
To use the inssetup command to activate a dialog box to make settings for ins, perform the following steps:
Inssetup and -Inssetup
Step 1) Start the inssetup command and make settings in the dialog box:
Command: inssetup
Interp
Purpose: To interpolate intermediate elevation contours.
The interp command is used to add intermediate elevation contours to digital topographic maps. Index contours must
already be present in order for the command to run. For example, the following diagrams show the contours before
and after intermediate contour interpolation:
Use interp when the elevation change is a fairly steady gradient, whether steep or flat. If the index contours are
generally an even distance apart, then interp can be used accurately and successfully.
Warning!
Do not use interp if the ground is bumpy and uneven. The program will always attempt to place the intermediate
contours evenly between the index contours. In the case of bumpy ground features, this may not accurately represent
the ground. For example, the program will use the following index contours to produce these results:
However, the true ground contours might not be evenly spaced. The following examples show other possible
intermediate contours for these index contours:
In these examples, the elevation is truly ambiguous, and should not be estimated by any sort of interpolation program.
• Number of Vertices:
Upper Limit: The total number of vertices contained in the boundary line plus all the vertices
in the index contours inside the boundary cannot exceed 14,000. An error message will be
displayed if there are too many vertices. If this limit is too low, please contact DAT/EM
Systems for an expanded version.
Lower Limit: Each contour polyline must have more than three vertices.
• Number of Index Contours: There must be at least two index contours; however, there is no upper
limit to the number of index contours inside the boundary. The only limit is the total number of vertices
as described above.
• Boundary Assumed Closed: The boundary is assumed closed. That is, if the boundary's first and last
vertices are not snapped to each other, then the interpolation utility will assume there is a line between
the first and last vertices of the boundary.
• Index Contour Elevations: The index contour lines must already be at the correct elevations. The
interpolation utility uses the index contour elevations to determine the placement elevation of the new
intermediate contours.
• Index Contours Inside or Extending Beyond the Boundary: The index contours may be completely
inside the boundary, begin or end at the boundary, or extend beyond the boundary.
The following is a sample boundary. Notice it is not a simple rectangle. This boundary excludes areas where the
elevation should not be represented by evenly spaced intermediate contours:
Interpolation results
Run Interp
Interp
Once the boundary is drawn, set the layer for the new intermediate contours and start the program by entering the
interp command:
Select objects
Choose two or more 2D index contour polylines to be used as forms for the interpolated intermediate contours. When
finished selecting all the contours, enter a blank <Return>. Then the program will ask for the boundary.
Select the boundary and enter a blank <Return>. The program will ask for the intermediate contour interval. The
default shown will place four intermediate contours between each set of index contours.
After the contour interval is supplied, the new contours will be interpolated. If more than two index contours were
selected, the new contours will be interpolated in order of their elevation.
Joinit
(formerly called Join)
To connect two or more polylines together into one polyline, use the joinit command:
Command: joinit
Select objects to join:
Choose two or more polylines, then press <Enter>. The polylines will be connected together based on the closest
endpoints.
• Arcs may be contained in the polyline, but if the end segment of the original polyline is an arc, the
connecting segment will also be an arc with a “best guess” bulge factor. The connecting segment may
need to be checked after the join.
Labelit
Purpose: To add elevation labels or blocks to polylines with options for rotation and polyline breaking.
b.) Know the layer names of the polylines, guiders, and elevation text or blocks.
c.) If a block is to be inserted, make sure it is defined in the drawing.
Step 2) Enter the labelit command. The base line angle will be selected before the dialog box appears.
Command: labelit
Base line angle -180..180(0.00) degree(s)/(P)ick/<Enter>:
The base line angle should be zero unless the output plot is to be rotated. If the output plot will
be rotated, enter the angle or enter P to select the angle on the screen. The base line angle
defines the angle of the label text so it appears right side up. For example, if the base line angle
is 45°, the label will either be inserted at 45° or, if Align to segment is on in the Labelit dialog
box, -45°≤(text angle)≤135°.
Step 3) Key in the Enter key and make settings in the Labelit dialog box:
Step 4) If desired, use the Reset, Save, or Load buttons at any time.
Step 5) After finishing the settings in the Labelit dialog box, select OK.
Step 6) Follow the prompts to select or digitize objects. For example,
a.) If Pick individual points was selected, prompts appear:
Pick point on contour/(Esc):
(pick polyline where text will be inserted)
Pick point on contour/(Esc):
(repeat until finished, then enter <Esc>).
b.) If Create guiders was selected, draw one or more guiders at the prompts,
Guider from point:
Guider to point/(U)ndo: (pick)
Guider to point/(U)ndo:
(pick until finished, U to undo the last vertex)
Guider to point/(U)ndo: <Enter>
# polyline(s) for labeling found on layer Name.
Guider from point:
(pick points for another guider, or press <Enter> to end)
c.) If Guiders exist, select layers was selected, the program runs and finishes.
Lc
Purpose: To insert control point block symbols at all the coordinate locations read from the currently active orientation
control listing. (To insert selected points from a selected control file, see the Lcf command on page 5-85.)
The lc command inserts AutoCAD blocks into the drawing at all control points coordinates found in the currently
active ground control listing.
The file that lists the control points varies depending on the type of stereoplotter. For analog stereoplotters, the
currently loaded ground control .con file is used. For analytical or digital stereoplotters, DAT/EM CAPTURE reads the
stereoplotter’s control points and writes a file called control.con into the DAT/EM folder. This file is created
specifically for the lc command.
Step 3) If a file finding dialog box appears, select a control file, then select OK.
Step 4) A dialog box appears. Make block and text settings.
Make settings in the dialog box, then select the OK button. The control points will be inserted followed by a zoom so
that the control points appear in the view.
Lcf
Purpose: To insert control point block symbols at selected coordinate locations read from a selected control file. (To
insert all points from the currently active orientation control file, see the Lc command on page 5-84.)
The lcf command inserts blocks into the drawing at selected control point locations from a selected control file. To
use the lcf command, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Make sure the desired control blocks exist in the drawing file.
Step 2) Start the lcf command:
Command: lcf
Step 3) A file open dialog box appears. Select the control file.
Step 4) Use the arrow buttons to select the points to be inserted:
Step 5) Make block and text settings. This is the same dialog box that the lc command produces:
Lineslope
Purpose: To digitize points at the bottom and top of a slope, place a line, place optional end blocks, and place optional
text labels indicating the percent grade and the distance.
The lineslope command requires two points to be digitized at the bottom and the top of a slope; it inserts a line and
text showing the percent grade, calculated by:
Step 5) Select the Start button. Follow the prompts to digitize the bottom and top of a slope.
Step 6) Repeat to digitize any number of slope lines. If desired, use a osnap endpoint snap to connect the
new line to the end of a previous line.
Step 7) When finished, select the Stop button and select the “X” button at the upper right of the dialog.
Lpat
Purpose: To insert a specified block symbol at intervals along a polyline. On polylines that are shorter than the block
interval, at least one block will be inserted.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block rotation angle and select the
desired Planimetric Patterning setting.
Select the keypad or menu item, or type lpat. The computer prompts:
Command: lpat
Block name/?
Enter the name of the block to insert at intervals along each selected polyline.
Choose one or more polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The computer then prompts:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until <Enter> is pressed. Several
options may be changed before the blocks are actually inserted:
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing in ground units.
When the blocks are correct, press <Enter> to accept them.
MeasureHeight
Purpose: Digitize points at the base and top of an object; place a block to show the location and text to show the height
in ground units.
The measureheight command requires two points to be digitized at the base and the top of an object. It inserts a
block and text showing the location and height.
Choose whether to
place a point or a block.
Step 5) Select the Start button. Follow the prompts to digitize the base and top of an object.
Morphexporter
Purpose: Export AutoCAD morphological objects into an Inpho GmbH-format .wnp file. This file may then be used by
Inpho’s MATCH-T software.
The morphexporter command exports AutoCAD morphological objects, such as DTM points, breaklines, spot
heights, exclusion areas, and buildings, into an Inpho-format .wnp file. This file may then be used by the Inpho’s
MATCH-T software to create a more accurate DTM point distribution.
Movebypick
Purpose: To move the analytical or digital stereoplotter to a point picked by the mouse.
The movebypick command moves an analytical or digital stereoplotter with software-controlled move capabilities to
a point picked by the mouse.
Command: movebypick
A prompt appears to pick the point with the mouse. Select a point with the mouse digitizer. The analytical or digital
stereoplotter moves to the selected point.
OpenUp
Purpose: To open one or more closed polylines. Choose to either keep or remove the closing segment.
first vertex
Step 2) If necessary, change the Remove closing segment option. Enter R to toggle the setting.
Step 3) Select one or more polylines using either the cursor of one of the key-ins, A, L, or P.
Step 4) Press the Enter key to run the command.
Opsqr2d
Purpose: To digitize buildings using 2D polylines and align them orthogonally to a specified angle.
In psqr and psqr3d, the sides of each building are squared to the first segment drawn on that building. With the
“orthogonal” squaring function opsqr2d, all buildings are squared to a pre-defined base angle. Opsqr2d is useful
when many buildings are aligned with each other or with a street.
The psqr command uses a 2D polyline. Each vertex has the same elevation as the first point. To use a 3D polyline,
see Opsqr3d and Psqr3d.
The Base angle setting will be used to align the buildings. To accept the default, press
<Enter>. To change it, either enter the angle on the keyboard, or enter P and pick two points to
define the angle.
Step 3) To the “Square From point/Xy tol: ” prompt, make new settings if desired. The default Xy
tolerance is the currently set building squaring angle. For details on how this angle works, see
“Notes About the Squaring Angle for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d” on page 5-102. To change
the default setting in the future, see “Setup” on page 5-112. To change it for the current building,
enter X and enter a new angle.
The digitizing process and prompts are exactly the same as for “Psqr” on page 5-101, except it is not necessary to
Opsqr2d
Step 4) Digitize the first corner, then digitize successive corners as follows:
a.) For rectangular buildings, digitize only the first three corners. Press <Enter> (on the keyboard or a
programmed switch). It will fill in the two missing sides if Automatically Close is set on (see Step
1), but it will fill in one missing side if Automatically Close is set off. Note: To override the
Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to fill in two missing sides and close.
Point 3, <Enter>
Result
Point 2
Point 1
b.) For buildings with more than four segments, digitize each corner. Press <Enter> to fill in the one
missing side if Automatically Close is set on (see Step 1). If Automatically Close is set off, the
polyline simply ends. Note: To override the Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to force the
polyline to close.
3 4 Result
Point 1
2 6
5
7
Point 8, <Enter>
c.) After the first three corners have been digitized, U may be entered to undo the last digitized corner.
Every corner may be removed except the first two corners. Resume digitizing at any time.
Step 5) If desired, continue digitizing more buildings.
Step 6) To completely end the command, press <Enter> a second time.
Opsqr3d
Purpose: To digitize buildings using 3D polylines and align them orthogonally to a specified angle.
In psqr and psqr3d, the sides of each building are squared to the first segment drawn on that building. With the
“orthogonal” squaring function opsqr3d, all buildings are squared to pre-defined base angle. Opsqr3d is useful when
many buildings are aligned with each other or with a street.
The digitizing prompts for opsqr3d are exactly the same as for opsqr2d and psqr. There are two differences between
the commands:
• Opsqr3d uses a 3D polyline instead of a 2D polyline. Each building vertex obtains the digitizer
elevation at the time it was digitized.
• The Z tolerance and Pitched settings entered in the Setup box apply to opsqr3d and psqr3d. They
enable vertical segments between rooflines that drop to different elevation levels.
To use opsqr3d, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Use the Setup command to make building squaring selections. set the Building squaring
tolerance, Z tolerance, Pitched or Flat, and Automatically Close settings. For more information
about Setup, see page 5-112. For information about the Building squaring tolerance, see “Notes
About the Squaring Angle for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d” on page 5-102.
Step 2) Start the command:
Command: opsqr3d
Base angle (default) degrees -90..90/(P)ick /<Enter>:
The Base angle setting will be used to align the buildings. To accept the default, press
<Enter>. To change it, either enter the angle on the keyboard, or enter P and pick two points to
define the angle.
Step 3) To the “Square From point/Xy tol/Z tol/Plotter z[ON]: ” prompt, make new settings if desired:
a.) To change the tolerance angles, enter X or Z and the new values.
b.) To use the stereoplotter’s current Z setting for each vertex, make sure Plotter z is ON. To toggle the
Plotter z setting, enter P.
c.) Press <Enter> to return to digitizing.
Step 4)
a.) For rectangular buildings, digitize only the first three corners. Press <Enter> (on the keyboard or a
programmed switch). It will fill in the two missing sides if Automatically Close is set on (see Step
1), but it will fill in one missing side if Automatically Close is set off and <Enter> is received.
Note: To override the Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to fill in two missing sides and
close.
Point 3, <Enter>
Result
Point 2
Point 1
b.) For buildings with more than four segments, digitize each corner. Press <Enter> to fill in the one
missing side if Automatically Close is set on (see Step 1). If Automatically Close is set off, the
polyline simply ends.
6 5
Point 8, <Enter> Result
7 3
4
2
Point 1
c.) If digitizing elevation drops (such as where one roof surface drops down to a lower roof surface),
the Pitched setting must be on. Digitize the last corner of one roof, then change the elevation to the
new roof level and digitize the point. If the angle to the Z axis has not exceeded the Z tolerance,
then opsqr3d forces the segment between the two rooflines to be vertical. That is, the X,Y remains
the same as the point on the first roof level, but the Z to set to the elevation of the second roof level.
2
6
(X1,Y1,Z1) 7
8 1
Points 1
9
Forced to (X1,Y1,Z2)
10 Vertical closing segment added
d.) After the first three corners have been digitized, U may be entered to undo the last digitized corner.
Every corner may be removed except the first two corners. Resume digitizing at any time.
Step 5) If desired, continue digitizing more buildings.
Step 6) To completely end the command, press <Enter> a second time.
Orient
Orient_Only
Purpose: To reestablish the communication between AutoCAD and the stereoplotter and to send the stereoplotter’s
orientation to AutoCAD.
The orient command is used automatically when the DATEM CAPTURE application is first loaded, but if necessary, it
may be used at any other time to reestablish communication to AutoCAD. The orient command is very similar to
resetting the digitizer using AutoCAD’s reinit command, except that it also sends the orientation information to the
AutoCAD tablet. As it finishes, it runs Datemrotate so that north appears straight up on the AutoCAD view.
The orient_only command is similar to orient, but it does not run Datemrotate.
The orient or orient_only command may be helpful after communication between AutoCAD and DATEM CAPTURE
is lost. That is, if moving the stereoplotter no longer moves the cursor or updates the coordinates in AutoCAD, then
try the orient or orient_only command.
When the orient command is entered, messages appear in the AutoCAD text window. These message may seem
familiar, because they are the same messages that were seen when the DATEM CAPTURE application was loaded.
Command: orient
Calibrating tablet...
Adjusting for Kappa...
Regenerating model.
Because orient_only does not run Datemrotate, its messages show only the tablet calibration:
Command: orient
Calibrating tablet...
If the communication was successfully reestablished, the stereoplotter should be in control of the cursor movement in
AutoCAD. If desired, visit a control point to make sure the location matches the correct coordinates.
Profiledtm
Purpose: To set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project. (See also “DTMit” on page 5-57.)
The profiledtm command is a DTM (Digital Terrain Modeling) sampling tool. It is most effective when used with an
analytical or digital stereoplotter with computer-directed move capabilities.
After digitizing the points on the profiledtm project, they may be written out to an ASCII file using the xyzout
command (see “Xyzout” on page 5-133).
Before running the profiledtm command, digitize one or more boundaries for the project:
Command: profiledtm
Create/Sampling/Exit: c
The profiledtm prompt appears again. More boundaries may be selected if desired.
To digitize points along the profile lines, start the profiledtm sampling option, enter S, and choose settings:
Command: profiledtm
Create/Sampling/Exit: s
Layer name of DTM points:
Use Blocks? (Y=Blocks / N=Points) <Y>:
Block name for DTM points? <SPOTX>/* for list>
Elevation text label of each DTM point? (Y/N) <Y>:
Drive: Locked, Incremental, Both, Manual? (L,I,B,M) <I>:
The following table shows the results of each drive mode choice and instructions for digitizing:
Locked If Locked is selected, the stereoplotter’s axis will be locked so that the cursor can only move
along the current profile line. Locked is software controlled on analytical and digital
stereoplotters, but must be used with a mechanical axis-locking device on an analog
stereoplotter. When Locked is selected, the following additional prompt appears:
Undo/Next/Back/Finish (U/N/B/F) <pick>:
Move the stereoplotter along the profile and digitize points as desired.
•To digitize break points, move to the desired point along the profile and digitize, then
use Back increment or Next to return to the desired increment.
•To remove the last point, enter U to undo. Undo may be repeated.
Incremental If Incremental is selected, the stereoplotter automatically drives to the sampling locations.
Incremental may be used with analytical and digital stereoplotters with computer-driven
movement capabilities. When Incremental is selected, the following prompts appear:
Profile increment distance? <default>:
Skip/Back increment/Undo/Next/Finish (S/B/U/N/F) <pick>:
The stereoplotter drives to the profile increment points. After the point is digitized, the
stereoplotter moves to the next increment.
•To go to the next profile, enter S to skip.
•To digitize break points, move to the desired point and digitize, then use Back
increment or Next to return to the desired increment.
•To remove the last point, enter U to undo. Undo may be repeated.
Both If Both is selected, the analytical or digital stereoplotter will be placed in lock mode, but will
be driven by increments along the profile. Both provides the same prompt choices as for
Increment mode, but movement will be restricted to be along the profile line.
Manual If Manual selected, the user must move the stereoplotter to the sampling locations. Manual
may be used for analog stereoplotters and for analytical stereoplotter without
computer-driven movement capabilities. For the Manual selection, another prompt appears:
Undo last point/Finish (U/F) <pick>:
the user must position the stereoplotter on the first profile location. Sample points using the
digitizing switch. To remove the last point, enter U to undo. Undo may be repeated.
Psqr
Purpose: To digitize and perform squaring on buildings and other man-made objects that have sides at right angles to
each other. Psqr uses 2D polylines.
The psqr command uses a 2D polyline. Each vertex has the same elevation as
the first point. To use a 3D polyline, see Opsqr3d and Psqr3d.
Step 3) Digitize the two corners by the longest side of the building. Choosing the longest side first helps to
more accurately define the base angle of the building. Then digitize successive corners as follows:
a.) For rectangular buildings, digitize only the first three corners. Press <Enter> (on the keyboard or a
programmed switch). It will fill in the two missing sides if Automatically Close is set on (see Step
1), but it will fill in one missing side if Automatically Close is set off. Note: To override the
Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to fill in two missing sides and close.
Point 3, <Enter>
Result
Point 2
Point 1
b.) For buildings with more than four segments, digitize each corner. Press <Enter> to fill in the one
missing side if Automatically Close is set on (see Step 1). If Automatically Close is set off, the
polyline simply ends. Note: To override the Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to force the
polyline to close.
6 5 Result
Point 8, <Enter>
7 3
4
2
Point 1
c.) After the first three corners have been digitized, U may be entered to undo the last digitized corner.
Every corner may be removed except the first two corners. Resume digitizing at any time.
Step 4) If desired, continue digitizing more buildings.
Step 5) To completely end the command, press <Enter> a second time.
Notes About the Squaring Angle for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d
Psqr squares building sides according to the currently set building squaring angle. The tolerance is entered in the
setup dialog box (see “Setup” on page 5-112).
The building squaring angle units are in decimal degrees. During building squaring, if a building side is less than the
tolerance angle from square with respect to the previous side, then it is adjusted to be perpendicular to the previous
side. The tolerance should be set so the majority of buildings will be squared nicely, while unusually shaped buildings
retain their actual angles. The best tolerance for the drawing may depend on the map scale.
Points picked for the first four building corners (incomplete building)
Psqr3d
Purpose: To digitize and perform squaring on buildings and other man-made objects that have sides at right angles to
each other. Psqr3d uses 3D polylines.
The prompts for psqr3d are exactly the same as for psqr. There are two differences between the commands:
• Psqr3d uses a 3D polyline instead of a 2D polyline. Each building vertex obtains the digitizer elevation
at the time it was digitized.
• The Z tolerance and Pitched settings entered in the Setup box apply to opsqr3d and psqr3d. They
enable vertical segments between rooflines that drop to different elevation levels.
To use psqr3d, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Use the Setup command to make building squaring selections. set the Building squaring
tolerance, Z tolerance, Pitched or Flat, and Automatically Close settings. For more information
about Setup, see page 5-112. For information about the Building squaring tolerance, see “Notes
About the Squaring Angle for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d” on page 5-102.
Step 2) Start the command:
Command: psqr3d
Step 3) Digitize the two corners by the longest side of the building. Choosing the longest side first helps to
more accurately define the base angle of the building. Then digitize successive corners as follows:
a.) For rectangular buildings, digitize only the first three corners. Press <Enter> (on the keyboard or a
programmed switch). It will fill in the two missing sides if Automatically Close is set on (see Step
1), but it will fill in one missing side if Automatically Close is set off. Note: To override the
Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to fill in two missing sides and close.
Point 3, <Enter>
Result
Point 2
Point 1
For buildings with more than four segments, digitize each corner. Press <Enter> to fill in the one
Psqr3d
b.)
missing side if Automatically Close is set on (see Step 1). If Automatically Close is set off, the
polyline simply ends. Note: To override the Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to force the
polyline to close.
6 5 Result
Point 8, <Enter>
7 3
4
2
Point 1
c.) If digitizing elevation drops (such as where one roof surface drops down to a lower roof surface),
the Pitched setting must be on. Digitize the last corner of one roof, then change the elevation to the
new roof level and digitize the point. If the angle to the Z axis has not exceeded the Z tolerance,
then opsqr3d forces the segment between the two rooflines to be vertical. That is, the X,Y remains
the same as the point on the first roof level, but the Z to set to the elevation of the second roof level.
2
6
(X1,Y1,Z1) 7
8 1
Points 1
9
Forced to (X1,Y1,Z2)
10 Vertical closing segment added
d.) After the first three corners have been digitized, U may be entered to undo the last digitized corner.
Every corner may be removed except the first two corners. Resume digitizing at any time.
Step 4) If desired, continue digitizing more buildings.
Step 5) To completely end the command, press <Enter> a second time.
Reverse
Purpose: Reverse polyline vertex order.
To reverse the vertex order of one or more polylines, use the reverse command:
Command: reverse
Select objects to reverse:
Choose one or more polylines. Direction arrows indicating the original direction appear on each polyline as it is
selected. Press <Enter> to process the selected polylines. The vertices of each polyline will be reversed.
Road
Purpose: Starting with one road edge polyline, offset a complete set of curb and gutter polylines.
Road edge polyline before road command. After road adds curb and gutter offsets.
(Total 1 polyline.) (Total 8 polylines. Offset distances exaggerated)
To offset a road edge polyline with curb and gutter polylines, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Digitize a polyline along one side of the road.
Step 2) Set the layer for the new polylines.
Step 3) Start the road command:
Command: road
Select a polyline <Last>:
Step 4) Select the polyline that was digitized along one side of the road.
Step 5) Follow the prompts to enter information about the curb and gutter distances:
Select a road side Right/<Left>:
Enter the road width <>:
Enter curb height <>:
Enter curb width <>:
Enter gutter width <>:
Rr
Purpose: After the user digitizes one side of a railroad track, rr offsets the opposite rail and inserts railroad tick blocks
at intervals along the track.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block
rotation angle and select the Planimetric Patterning setting.
To draw a railroad as a double polyline and insert railroad ticks along it, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Digitize one side of the track with a 2D or 3D polyline.
Step 2) Choose a method of running the rr command:
a.) To complete the track immediately after digitizing the right side, select 2 Line RR Last on a
DAT/EM KEYPAD key or menu item.
b.) Or, enter rr and select one or more rails to pattern and offset.
Command: rr
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more rail polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object.
Track Width <#>:
Tie Length <#>:
(T)oggle side/(W)idth=#/(L)ength=#/(P)attern=# <Enter>:
The blocks and offset rail appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent until
<Enter> is pressed. Several options may be changed before the blocks are inserted:
• To instantly change the side of the offset and the direction of the blocks, enter T.
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing factor.
• When the offset and blocks are correct, press <Enter> to accept them.
The file is searched for the block RRTICK. If it doesn't already exist, it is created.
Rr100
Purpose: After the user digitizes a single polyline down the center of a railroad track, rr100 adds railroad tick blocks at
intervals along the track.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block
rotation angle and select the Planimetric Patterning setting.
To insert railroad ticks on a railroad shown as a single polyline down the center of the track, perform the following
steps:
Step 1) Digitize the center of the track with a 2D or 3D polyline.
Step 2) Choose a method to run the rr100 command:
a.) To pattern the track immediately after digitizing the center, select 1 Line RR Last on the DAT/EM
KEYPAD or on a menu item.
b.) Or, enter RR100 and then pick on or more tracks to pattern.
Command: rr100
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more rail centerline polylines or enter L to select the most recently
digitized object. The computer then prompts:
(B)lock scale=#/(P)attern dist=# <Enter>:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until
<Enter> is pressed. Several options may be changed before the blocks are actually
inserted:
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing factor.
• When the offset and blocks are correct, press <Enter> to accept them.
The file is searched for the block RRTICK100. If it doesn't already exist, it is created.
See also: Rr
SetObjectZ
Purpose: To change the elevation of an object. For objects that have multiple vertices at varying elevations, it offsets
each vertex by the elevation difference (instead of flattening all elevations to the same value).
Step 3) If using the stereoplotter to digitize, set the stereoplotter’s floating mark to the desired elevation.
Step 4) Position the cursor over an object and digitize. Repeat as desired.
Step 5) To undo the last change, enter Undo or _u. Undo may be used multiple times until the first change
of the current command session has been undone.
Step 6) To exit the command prompt, press the <Enter> key or the spacebar.
SetPointBlockZ
SetBlockZ, SetPointZ
Purpose: To quickly edit the elevation of a point or block. Assign the stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used,
or assign AutoCAD’s elev setting if the system mouse is used.
The SetPointBlockZ command accepts both points and blocks as input. The SetBlockZ command accepts only
blocks, and the SetPointZ command accepts only points.
For elevation-only changes, these commands are faster to use than AutoCAD’s move and change commands.
Step 3) If using the stereoplotter to digitize, set the stereoplotter’s floating mark to the desired elevation.
Step 4) Position the cursor over the point or the block’s graphics and digitize.
Step 5) Repeat setting the elevation and digitizing more points and/or blocks.
Step 6) To undo the last change, enter Undo or _u. Undo may be used multiple times until the first change
of the current command session has been undone.
Step 7) To exit the command prompt, press the <Enter> key or the spacebar.
Setup
Purpose: To change the settings listed in the DAT/EM capture parameters dialog box.
The DAT/EM Mapping Parameters dialog box should be activated as soon as AutoCAD is started. To activate the
dialog box, use the setup command.
Command: setup
Scale The output plotting scale of the map. It is the “x” represented in the
English scale 1”=x’ or the Metric (ratio) scale 1:x.
Units The choices are English units (for a scale of 1 inch = x feet) or Metric
(for a ratio scale, 1:x). If using any kind of ratio scale, even if it is not
called “metric,” set this box to Metric.
Beep on pick Check on this setting to have the computer beep each time a point is
digitized.
Block rotation Blocks will be rotated by this angle as they are inserted. This is a
angle counterclockwise angle in decimal degrees.
Block scale factor As they are inserted, blocks will be scaled by this factor times the map
scale.
Text scale factor As text is inserted, it will be scaled by this factor times the map scale.
Prompt for Block When checked on, this setting causes block insertion commands such as
Tag Info INS to prompt for block tags to be entered. Prompts appear only for
blocks that have block tag attributes in their definition. When checked
off, all blocks are inserted without block tag attributes.
Pattern distance On patterning commands such as fence and grail, the default patterning
factor distance shown will be this factor times the map scale.
Planimetric This setting affects block elevation for patterning commands such as
patterning brush, dep, fence, grail, lpat, rr, rr100, slopetick, and wallfence.
Building squaring, This is the limit for the angle in the X,Y plane for the psqr, psqr3d,
max(degrees) opsqr2d, opsqr3d commands. The units are in decimal degrees. For
details, see “Psqr” on page 5-101.
Z Tolerance, This is the angle in the X,Z plane for the psqr3d and opsqr3d
max(degrees) commands. It allows two roof levels to be connected by a vertical
segment. If two points are digitized and their angle to the Z axis does
not exceed the Z tolerance, then the points are connected by a vertical
segment. The units are in decimal degrees.
Pitched or Flat If pitched is on, psqr3d and opsqr3d will allow a vertical closing
segment to be added between two roof levels. If flat is on, the closing
segment will be between the last digitized point and the first point, and
may have different X,Y, and Z values on each end (not necessarily
vertical).
Contour Interval The elevation contour interval. This will be used by capt2d to round the
elevations of elevation contours. It will also be used on analytical or
digital stereoplotters for moving up and down in elevation by the
contour interval distance. See “Capt2d” on page 5-28, “Contourdown”
on page 5-37, and “Contourup” on page 5-38.
Curvature angle, This value sets the angle limit for digitizing a point in stream mode with
minimum (degrees) capt2d and capt3d. For information on these commands, see “Capt2d”
on page 5-28 and “Capt3d” on page 5-30. This angle is in decimal
degrees.
XY distance, % of This value sets the maximum XY distance limit for digitizing a point in
Map Scale stream mode with capt2d and capt3d. For information on these
commands, see “Capt2d” on page 5-28 and “Capt3d” on page 5-30.
Z distance, % of This value sets the minimum Z distance limit for digitizing a point in
Map Scale stream mode with capt2d and capt3d. For information on these
commands, see “Capt2d” on page 5-28 and “Capt3d” on page 5-30.
Shift
Purpose: To move all the objects in the file by an (X,Y,Z) shift.
Command: shift
Either enter the coordinate shift values in the dialog box or select Measure to select the shift with the digitizer. If
Measure is selected, follow the prompts to digitize the shift:
Command: measure
Pick initial point
Pick offset from initial point
After digitizing the two points, the dialog box will return showing the selected values.
Shot
Purpose: To set the digitizing mode to work with the ins command to repeatedly insert blocks or points. If using blocks,
they will either be inserted at the currently set angles and scales from the setup dialog box, or the scale and/or
rotation angle will be digitized.
The ins, inssetup, and -inssetup commands now contain all the functionality of
the shot command. Additionally, inssetup allows the block layer to be set
independently from the current AutoCAD layer.
Shot is still available because it is called from many existing keypad files.
When shot is used, the settings are transferred directly into inssetup.
The shot command activates a special mode for inserting blocks or points. When a shot mode is set and a block name
is entered with the ins command, blocks may be inserted with every one or two hits to the digitizing switch. An
option allows points to be inserted instead.
Si
Purpose: Activates the AutoCAD-specific SUPER/IMPOSITION options.
The si command activates the AutoCAD-specific SUPER/IMPOSITION (S/I) options. The si(version).arx application
must be loaded in AutoCAD in order for the si family of commands to work.
OFF Turn off the S/I display (also available from SUMMIT EVOLUTION). This
command string may be used on the DAT/EM KEYPAD.
ON Turn on the S/I display (If using SUMMIT EVOLUTION, S/I must also be turned
on in SUMMIT EVOLUTION). This command string may be used on the
DAT/EM KEYPAD.
Slopetick
Purpose: To insert slope tick block symbols along retaining wall polylines.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block rotation angle and select the
desired Planimetric Patterning setting.
To insert slope ticks on the most recently drawn 2D or 3D polyline, choose Slope Tick on the keypad overlay or menu
diagram or enter the slopetick command:
Command: slopetick
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more 2D or 3D slope polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The computer
then prompts:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until <Enter> is pressed. Several
options may be changed before the blocks are actually inserted:
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing in ground units.
To make settings and insert spot elevations, perform the following steps:
Step 1) (For the first use or to change settings) Use either spotxset or -spotxset to make settings. Spotxset
asks for detailed settings in a dialog box:
Command: spotxset
used.
lo urs
tio
c
The -spotxset command allows some of the spot elevation settings to be made without the
dialog box:
Command: -spotxset
Precision/Block/Rotation/Nearest:
Enter P to set the number of decimal places; enter B to set the name of the block; enter R to set
the rotation angle for the text and block; enter N to set Shift Z to nearest. For any other
setting, use the spotxset dialog box.
Step 2)
Command: spotx
Insert point:
Square
Purpose: Squares the sides of existing polyline objects. Especially useful for existing buildings.
The square command squares the sides of an existing polyline object. It is especially useful for man-made objects
such as buildings.
square
Step 2) Enter a new building squaring tolerance angle or press <Enter> to accept the default value. For
example, to set the tolerance angle to 25 degrees,
XY Tolerance angle (20.0) degrees 0..45/<Enter>: 25
XY Tolerance set to: 25
Select objects to square
Step 3) To the “Select objects to square” prompt, select one or more existing polyline objects such as
buildings. When finished selecting objects, press <Enter>. All of the objects will be squared
according to the XY tolerance angle.
Square squares building sides according to the currently set XY Tolerance angle. This tolerance angle works in the
same way as the angle used in Psqr. For more information about the tolerance angle, see page 5-102.
Stairs
Purpose: To draw stairways with options for elevation, landings, and aligning to buildings.
Command: stairs
• Attached 2D attaches the stairway at right angles to a previously digitized building (or to a straight
segment of any polyline or line). The stairway is drawn with 2D polylines at the elevation of the first
selected point.
• Attached 3D is the same as Attached 2D, except it uses 3D polylines, interpolating elevations based on
the two selected corner points.
Point 3:
Point 1:
Tread width (may be digitized
Stairs corner on building line
or typed in ground units)
Point 2:
Diagonal stair corner
•
Stairs
Point 3:
Direction of the first stair
Point 1:
First stair corner
Point 4:
Tread width (may be digitized
or typed in ground units)
Point 2:
Diagonal stair corner
• Landing 2D draws a stairway and landing attached at right angles to a building (or to a straight segment
of any polyline or line).
• Landing 3D is the same as Landing 2D, except is uses 3D polylines, interpolating elevations based on
the two selected corner points.
Point 1:
Stairs corner on building line Point 3:
Tread width (may be digitized
or typed in ground units)
Point 4:
Point on the first landing tread
(Select a point near the edge of the
landing away from the building) Point 2:
Diagonal stair corner
Unrotatescreen
Purpose: To remove the rotation caused earlier by the Datemrotate command.
The unrotatescreen command removes the rotation caused when the datemrotate command was used:
Command: unrotatescreen
Wallfence
Purpose: To insert wall tick and fence tick blocks alternately along 2D or 3D polylines.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block rotation angle and select the
desired Planimetric Patterning setting.
To insert wall and fence ticks alternately on the most recently drawn 2D or 3D polyline, choose Wall Fence on the
keypad overlay or menu diagram. Or enter the wallfence command:
Command: wallfence
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more 2D or 3D slope polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The computer
then prompts:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until <Enter> is pressed. Several
options may be changed before the blocks are actually inserted:
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing in ground units.
Xsect
Purpose: To create a cross section project and collect (X,Y,Z) data along the cross sections.
The xsect command creates cross sections along a road center line, then allows the user to collect coordinates along
the cross sections. On analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities, the stereoplotter is driven
automatically to the sampling locations.
Step 2) Start the command and select c for Create. A dialog box appears asking for project values.
Command: xsect
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: c
Enter project
specifications
Select OK to continue
Step 3) After filling out the project values and selecting OK, a prompt appears in the AutoCAD command
window:
Select a polyline <Last>:
After selecting the center line, the xsect menu reappears. A file now exists that contains the
Xsect
Step 4)
calculated cross section locations. The next step is to import the cross sections graphically. Select i
to Import the cross sections.
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: i
Select the project to import and the layer to contain the cross sections and their labels.
When OK is selected, the cross sections are inserted into the drawing.
Step 5) After importing the cross sections, the xsect menu returns. If desired, add break lines using Add:
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: a
When OK accepts the box, follow the prompts to select the center
Break lines added.
line and specify the insertion point on the center line:
The new cross sections are added to both the project file and the
drawing file.
Step 6)
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: d
When OK accepts the box, follow the prompts to select Cross sections deleted.
the center line and specify one or more cross sections to
be deleted:
When OK accepts the box, follow the prompts to select Cross section edited.
the center line and specify the cross section to be edited:
When the project file contains all the necessary cross sections, coordinate data may be digitized
Xsect
Step 8)
using the cross section mode, Xsectmode:
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: x
When OK accepts the settings box, the starting cross section may need to be selected, then the
cross section mode prompt appears:
When a point is digitized, the specified block and text will be inserted.
To remove the most recently digitized point and move back to that location, use the Undo
option.
On analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities, use Skip, Back, and skip
Xsection to skip the current increment point, move back to the last increment or cross section,
and skip forward to the next cross section.
Step 9) To resume digitizing after an interruption, start the command again and make sure Sample from
beginning is turned off.
Command: xsect
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: x
To resume digitizing on a
selected cross section, turn
off Sample from beginning.
Step 10) To output the data to an ASCII file, use the xyzout command shown on page 5-133.
Xyzin
Purpose: To import objects from coordinates in an ASCII text file.
The xyzin command inputs coordinate and object information as objects into an AutoCAD drawing file. To use the
command, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Prepare an input file. The minimum requirements for this file are that it has X and Y coordinate
components. It can be a simple list of coordinates such as:
-478.206 42.303 471.650
-337.664 43.649 527.920
-440.722 -62.040 470.010
Or it can have comments and object information fields such as block names, line start and end
markers, or even fields that will be ignored, such as:
Step 2) If a boundary layer will be used, prepare one or more closed polylines on that layer. If this option is
used, objects will be imported only they lie wholly or partially inside a boundary polyline. If they
lie completely outside all boundary polylines, they will be ignored.
Step 3) Start the xyzin command and specify the input file:
Command: xyzin
• The Save button saves the current settings, which may then be retrieved later by Load.
Highlight each field that exists in the input file, then click
on the >> button to add it to the Selected Fields list. Or,
highlight a field in the Selected Fields list and click on
<< to remove it from the list.
• To ignore a field, add Skip to Selected Fields.
• Skip may also be used to override object type
identifiers, layers, and/or block names that exist in the
file, but that you don’t want to use. If any of these are
skipped, you may specify the override values in the
Type Id, Layer, and/or Block Name fields above.
To import only those coordinates that are inside closed Select OK to run
(Optional) Select Save to
polylines, check on Boundary Layer and set its Layer. Closed the command.
save the settings for later
boundary polyline(s) should already exist (see Step 2 above).
use by the Load button.
Xyzout
Purpose: To export objects to an ASCII output file.
The xyzout command exports coordinate and object information from an AutoCAD drawing file to an ASCII text
file. To use the command, perform the following steps:
Step 1) If objects will be exported if they are completely or partially inside a boundary, prepare one or more
closed polyline boundaries on a unique layer.
Step 2) Start the xyzout command:
Command: xyzout
• The Save button saves the current settings, which may then be retrieved later by Load.
Step 4) Select OK to run the command. If Select objects interactively is checked on, a prompt will appear
to select objects in the AutoCAD drawing (note that all selected objects will be exported, even if
they do not meet the layer, search, or object type requirements). A prompt appears to select an
output file name.
Zcheck
Purpose: To mark the point of intersection and the elevation difference between polylines where they intersect in the
(X,Y) plane.
The zcheck command gives information about points where polylines intersect in the (X,Y) plane. It is most useful
for making sure elevation contours do not cross each other. Zcheck works with any combination of 2d, lightweight,
and 3d polylines. To activate the dialog box, enter the zcheck command:
Command: zcheck
Z Tolerance:
• To mark all (X,Y) intersections, use a Z
tolerance of 0 (zero) or less.
• (X,Y) intersections will be marked only if
the Z difference between the polylines is
greater than or equal to the Z tolerance.
• For example, if z tolerance is 10, only
(X,Y) intersections with an elevation
difference 10 or greater will be marked.
Scale is multiplied
times the map scale
(Setup) to produce the
If on, text will be inserted showing the
block and text size.
elevation difference at the point of
(X,Y) intersection. It is not the
elevation of the block or polylines.
Make selections in the dialog box and choose the OK button. The specified block will be inserted at each (X,Y)
intersection that matches the layer and elevation difference criteria. Text showing the elevation difference (not the
block or polyline elevation) will be inserted next to the block
The acad.dwt template drawing supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE contains a block called LEADER.
This block is an arrow designed to use with zcheck. This block, or any block, may be used to mark
intersections.
Zmove
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) Move the analytical or digital
stereoplotter to a user-specified elevation.
The zmove command directs the analytical or digital stereoplotter to move to a specified elevation. The stereoplotter
must have computer-directed move abilities.
Command: zmove
Move to elevation <default>:
Enter the elevation at the prompt. The analytical or digital stereoplotter immediately drives to the new elevation, but
stays in the same X,Y location.
DAT/EM’s DAT/EM CAPTURE SCOP Interface + INPHO’s SCOP Library = Contour generation within AutoCAD
Contour generation with DAT/EM CAPTURE can be accomplished using the CAPTURE CONTOUR™ package, which
uses the SCOP library software by INPHO GmbH. INPHO is one of DAT/EM’s GeoToolBox partners. To purchase
CAPTURE CONTOUR, contact DAT/EM or INPHO. Each of the GeoToolBox companies may be accessed from the web
at www.geotoolbox.com. Specific information about INPHO products may be viewed from www.inpho.de.
Expected Result:
The Contour pull-down
menu appears in AutoCAD.
Generate Contours
To generate contours using CAPTURE CONTOUR, perform the following steps:
Step 1) If it has not already been installed, install the SCOP contour generation library by INPHO GmbH.
The SCOP hardware lock (hardware key) must be present in order for CAPTURE CONTOUR to work.
Refer to the installation instructions that are supplied with the SCOP library.
Step 2) Select Load CaptureContour from the Contour pull-down menu to load the
CaptureContour(version).arx application. Note that this may not be necessary if the application
is being loaded by acad.rx (page 3-17) or by the Startup Suite (page 3-18).
Step 3) Prepare input for the contour interpolation. There must be existing XYZ data from one or more of
the following sources:
a.) 3D AutoCAD objects such as DTM grid points, mass points, break lines, or other densely
distributed, accurate XYZ data, or
b.) MATCH-T .xyz mass points file generated by INPHO’s MATCH-T software, or
c.) MATCH-T .xyz mass points file generated by a previous run of the CAPTURE CONTOUR dialog
box with the Export DTM option on.
In addition, there may be 2D or 3D morphological objects such as,
d.) (Optional) 2D and 3D boundary or exclusion area polygons and 3D spot heights.
Step 4) If using a MATCH-T file as input for CAPTURE CONTOUR, then use the matchxyz command to
import the MATCH-T points as objects into the AutoCAD drawing. Start the command with either
the matchxyz key-in or select Import Match-T from the Contour pull-down menu.
Command: matchxyz
Make settings in the Import Match-T Data dialog box and select OK to import the data into
AutoCAD:
Now the AutoCAD drawing should contain a dense distribution of XYZ data objects within the area where contours
are to be generated. There may also be boundaries, exclusion areas, and spot heights.
Step 5) Start the contour command. Either enter the contour key-in or select Generate Contours from the
Contour pull-down menu.
Command: contour
There will be a pause as the software checks for the Inpho SCOP hardware lock. If it is not
found, the top of the Capture Contour dialog box will show “Lock Not Found.” In this case,
cancel the Capture Contour dialog and attach or troubleshoot the hardware lock.
Step 6) Start to make settings in the DAT/EM & Inpho’s Capture Contour dialog box. Choose whether
input will come from entities on layers in the AutoCAD file or from a MATCH-T binary file:
There are two methods to choose input for CAPTURE CONTOUR: Either set Input
layers or set a MATCH-T binary file name in Import DTM. The Import DTM field
must be blank (or showing “Do not import DTM file”) in order to select Input layers.
To use existing entities on AutoCAD layers:
• Click where it says “Click to Select” or click on an existing list of layers.
• Select one or more layers from each list. (Note that these layers should already
exist and there should already be objects on these layers.) If there is no input for
that type, do not select any layers for that column.
• Repeat for each input type column.
Step 8) View the resulting contours. If the contours seem incorrect in an area, then there may be mistakes or
missing data in the mass points or morphological objects. In this case, improve the input data using
any of the following methods:
• Add points. Note that if mass points have been added or edited, it may be useful to check
on the Export DTM option on the Capture Contour dialog box.
Step 9) Repeat the review, edit, and run steps until the contours are acceptable.
Symptom Suggestion
When DAT/EM software is run, one or more Either the hardware lock is not installed properly, the hardware
hardware lock messages appear: lock software driver was not installed, the hardware lock was
not present in the port when DAT/EM software was updated, or
the hardware lock is defective.
1. Follow the hardware lock installation instructions in
the Summit Evolution Operation Manual or the
DAT/EM installation supplement.
2. Check for a bad connection.
Contact DAT/EM support.
Cursor control will not transfer to the The DAT/EM application has not been loaded in AutoCAD.
stereoplotter, and DAT/EM CAPTURE Select the “Load Capture” icon from the toolbar menus or
commands are “unknown.” For example, select Capture and Load Capture from the Datem pull-down
menu.
Command: movebypick
Unknown command "movebypick".
Press F1 for help.
AutoCAD Menus
Symptom Suggestion
There is no DAT/EM pull-down menu in AutoCAD. The Datem(version).mnu file is not configured
correctly in AutoCAD. See “Activate the DAT/EM
Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous
Versions” on page 2-4 or “Activate the DAT/EM
Menus - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher Versions” on
page 2-8.
There is a Datem or DatemLite pull-down menu, but there The toolbar menus are not configured. See “Turn
are no DAT/EM toolbar menus. on DAT/EM Toolbars - AutoCAD 2005 and
Previous Versions” on page 2-7 or “Activate the
DAT/EM Menus - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher
Versions” on page 2-8.
The toolbar menus are there, but they all look like question The \program Files\AutoCAD
marks. (version)\Datem\bmp folder is not referenced
correctly, or was not referenced correctly at the
time the menu was compiled. Set the Support File
Search Path using the instructions in “Set the
Support File Search Path and Pointing Device” on
page 2-2. Then reload and recompile the menu file
using the instructions in “Activate the DAT/EM
Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous
Versions” on page 2-4 or “Activate the DAT/EM
Menus - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher Versions” on
page 2-8.
Symptom Suggestion
A stereoplotter button or switch is pressed, but either The buttons and switches may not be set at all or
nothing happens or the wrong thing happens. (The plotter they have been set to undesired functions.
client is running and the DAT/EM application was loaded in
1. Use the Buttons command to view the
the CAD software.)
button settings. See “Buttons” on page
5-27.
2. Change the settings if necessary.
A button or switch is pressed, but nothing happens. The Button status is shown by the plotter client. With
switch settings are verified to be correct using the Buttons the plotter client running, press the switch. If the
command. plotter client does not show that the switch has
been activated, then there may be a hardware
problem. Contact DAT/EM support.
breaklines clipit(version).arx
add to cross section project 5-127 command instructions (datclip) 5-44
as morphological data for INPHO software 6-1, 6-2 loaded by acad.rx 2-11
delete points and blocks near 5-22 loaded by Startup Suite 2-13
digitize with capt3d 3-3, 3-4, 5-30 clippoints 5-35
brush 5-24 close-range photogrammetry viewpoint 5-36
BTICKL/R blocks 5-24 closergview 5-36
building squaring color of layers 3-7
2D 5-101 to 5-103 command 2-13
3D 5-104 command reference Chapter 5
orthogonal building squaring 5-92, 5-94 compatible hardware and software 1-2
tolerance 5-113 components 1-2
z tolerance 5-113 configure AutoCAD 2-2 to 2-13
buildingframe 5-25 connect polylines
button programming 5-27 editline 5-64
buttons 5-27 joinit 5-79
contour interpolation
C breaklines 5-30
CAPTURE CONTOUR Chapter 6
capt2d interp 5-75
instructions 5-28 to 5-29 contour interval
when to use 3-4 move stereoplotter down in Z 5-37
capt3d move stereoplotter up in Z 5-38
instructions 5-30 to 5-31 rounding elevation to 3-4, 5-28
when to use 3-4 set with setup 5-114
capture(version).arx Contour(version).mnu 2-5
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 contourdown 5-37
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 contours. See elevation contours
loading at AutoCAD startup 2-14 contourup 5-38
loading methods 2-14 control points, inserting as blocks 5-84, 5-85
CAPTURE CONTOUR Chapter 6 converting drawing units 5-32
capturecontour(version).arx coordinate shift 5-115
how to run 6-2 cross sectioning with xsect 5-126 to 5-130
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 crosscheck 5-39
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 crossing polylines 5-39, 5-134
CaptureContour.cui 2-10 culvert 5-40
changescale 5-32 curb 5-41
check3d 5-33 curbfilename 5-41
check3dlast 5-33 curblast 5-41
checklineelevation 5-33 current pointing device 2-3
checklineelevationlast 5-33 cursor
checklineelevation(version).arx control with mouse or stereoplotter 3-2
command instructions 5-33 missing 3-1
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 seeing 3-1
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 customize
cleanup 5-34 blocks 4-1 to 4-3
cleanup(version).arx button definitions 4-3, 5-27
command instructions 5-34 instructions Chapter 4
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 layer scheme 4-1
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 template drawing 4-1
clipit command. See datclip
D E
datclip 2-11, 2-13, 5-44 edbox 5-63
datem.com website A-1 edge ties 3-8
DAT/EM contact information Appendix A edit box tool 5-63
Datem(version).cui 2-9 editing
Datem(version).mnu 2-4 command list 5-4
datemrotate 5-45 general information 3-8
datemsnap 5-46 editline 5-64 to 5-66
datmove 5-47 elevation
datpan 5-48 contours
default drawing 4-1, 4-3 digitizing 5-28 to 5-29
DEM (Digital Elevation Model). See DTM interpolation
dep 5-49 CAPTURE CONTOUR Chapter 6
depression 5-50 interp 5-75
depression tick blocks 5-49, 5-50 use capt2d to digitize 3-4, 5-28 to 5-29
digital stereoplotter editing Z in polyline 5-64, 5-110
cross section move modes 5-129 find Z range of lines/polylines 5-33
move commands labels 5-80 to 5-83, 5-119
contour interval 5-37, 5-38 rounding 5-28 to 5-29
control point 5-47 English units
user-specified point 5-47, 5-90 convert to metric units 5-32
Z elevation 5-135 map scale 5-112
point sampling commands 5-98, 5-126 export to a file with xyzout 5-133
snap settings 5-46
digital terrain modeling. See DTM F
digitizing switch programming 5-27
distribute DTM points 5-52 fence 5-67
DTM (Digital Terrain Modeling) fence and wall blocks 5-125
breaklinefilter 5-22 to 5-23 fence ticks 5-67, 5-125
combine point sets into one set 5-52 FENCTICK block 5-67, 5-125
digitizing method 5-31, 5-57, 5-98 foot pedals switch settings 5-27
dtmdistributor 5-52
dtmit 5-57 to 5-62 G
edit points 5-55 GeoToolBox 6-1
MATCH-T 6-2 geotoolbox.com website 6-1
points and blocks next to breaklines 5-22 grade of slope 5-86
profiledtm 5-98 to 5-100 grail 5-68
dtmdistributor 5-52 grid ticks and lines 5-69
dtmdistributor(version).arx gridit 5-69
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 ground control file 5-84, 5-85
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 GTICKR/L block 5-68
dtmeditor 5-55 to 5-56 guard rail 5-68
dtmeditor(version).arx guiders for labelit 5-81
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 gutters 5-41
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13
dtmit 5-57 to 5-62
dtmit(version).arx
command instructions 5-57 to 5-62
loaded by acad.rx 2-11
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13
dview twist AutoCAD command 5-45
I MapEditor(version).arx
import loaded by acad.rx 2-11
file using xyzin 5-131 loaded by Startup Suite 2-13
MATCH-T file using matchxyz 6-2 Maped(version).mnu 2-5
incompatible hardware and software 1-2 MATCH-T
INPHO GmbH 6-1 export morphological .wnp file 5-89, 6-1
input. See import import .xyz file 6-2, 6-4
ins 5-72, 5-73 Measure(version).arx 2-11, 2-13
insert symbol function 5-72, 5-73 measure(version).arx 5-25, 5-86, 5-88
inssetup 5-72, 5-73 measureheight 5-88
installation Chapter 2 menu
interp 5-75 pull-down menus
interpolate contours Contour 2-5, 2-10, 6-1
CAPTURE CONTOUR Chapter 6 Datem 2-4 to 2-7, 2-8 to 2-10
interp 5-75 DatemLite 2-4 to 2-7, 2-8 to 2-10
intersecting polylines Map/Editor 2-5, 2-10
finding and marking with zcheck 5-134 toolbar menus
finding with crosscheck 5-39 AutoCAD 2005 and previous 2-7
AutoCAD 2006 and higher 2-8 to 2-10
metric units
J convert to English units 5-32
join map scale 5-112
drawing edge ties 3-8 mode
polylines 5-64, 5-79 one-shot for inserting blocks
roof levels 5-113 instructions ?? to 3-5
joinit 5-79 obsolete version 5-116
when to use 3-5
L stream
capt2d 3-4
labelit 5-80 to 5-83 capt3d 3-4
layers 3-7 two-shot for inserting blocks
lc 5-84 instructions ?? to 3-5
lcf 5-85 obsolete version 5-116
lineslope 5-86 when to use 3-6
list improved by autolist(version).arx 5-20 morphexporter 5-89
Load Applications Startup Suite 2-12 to 2-13 morphexporter(version).arx
load control command instructions 5-89
from file with lcf 5-85 loaded by acad.rx 2-13
with lc 5-84 move
loading applications automatically 2-11 to 2-13 down one contour interval 5-37
lpat 5-87 to elevation 5-135
to picked point 5-90
M up one contour interval 5-38
map grids 5-69 movebypick 5-90
map scale setting 5-112
MAP/EDITOR
filter uses 5-29, 5-31
menu configuration
AutoCAD 2005 and previous 2-5
AutoCAD 2006 and higher 2-10
used to edit 3-8
MapEditor.cui 2-10
O polylines
offset polylines connecting with joinit 5-79
3doffset command 5-11 crossing 5-39, 5-134
3doffsetmeasure command 5-12 digitizing uses 3-3
road command 5-107 edit vertex Z 5-64
one-shot mode for inserting blocks 3-4 to ??, 3-5, ?? to 3-5 editing 5-64
open a closed polyline 5-91 intersections, finding 5-39, 5-134
openup 5-91 join 5-64
opsqr2d 5-92 join 2D and 3D 5-65
opsqr3d offsetting 5-11, 5-12
instructions 5-94 opening 5-91
tolerances 5-113 patterning with blocks
orient 5-97 brush 5-24
orient_only 5-97 depression ticks
origin shift 5-115 automatic 5-50
output interactive 5-49
plotting 3-8 fence 5-67
to ASCII file with xyzout 5-133 fence with wall 5-125
to MATCH-T .wnp file 5-89 guard rail 5-68
railroad ties 5-108, 5-109
slope ticks 5-118
P user-specified block 5-87
pan view 5-48 wall with fence 5-125
patterning with blocks replace sections 5-64
any block 5-87 reverse vertex order 5-106
brush 5-24 profiledtm 5-98 to 5-100
depression programming buttons and switches 5-27
automatic 5-50 psqr
interactive 5-49 instructions 5-101 to 5-103
fence 5-67 tolerances 5-113
fence with wall 5-125 psqr3d
guard rail 5-68 instructions 5-104
lpat 5-87 tolerances 5-113
planimetric setting 5-87
railroad ties 5-108 R
slope ticks 5-118
railroad
wall with fence 5-125
double line 5-108
percent grade of slope 5-86
single line 5-109
planimetric patterning setting 5-87
ratio scale 5-112
plotting 3-8
reference files as tie edges 3-8
plotting scale 5-112
reinit AutoCAD command 5-97
point elevation 5-110, 5-111
reverse 5-106
pointing device, current 2-3
reverse vertex order 5-106
road 5-107
road curbs and gutters 5-41, 5-107
rotate blocks 5-21
rr 5-108
rr100 5-109
S T
screen rotation technical support Appendix A
remove 5-124 template drawing file 4-1, 4-3
rotate to model 5-45 text scale factor 3-6, 5-112
setblockz 5-111 three-dimensional
setobjectz 5-110 3D polylines. See polylines 3-4
setpointblockz 5-111 digitizer 3-1
setpointz 5-111 offsets 5-11, 5-12, 5-41
setup 5-112 to 5-114 simulated arcs 5-13 to 5-14, 5-17 to 5-19
shift 5-115 ticks
shiftZ option of editline 5-64 brush 5-24
SHOT 5-116 depression
shot 5-116 automatic 5-50
si commands 5-117 interactive 5-49
si(version).arx 2-14 fence 5-67
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 fence with wall 5-125
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 guard rail 5-68
simulated arc for 3D polylines 5-66 pattern with any block 5-87
slope 5-118 railroad tie blocks 5-108, 5-109
slope grade 5-86 slope blocks 5-118
SLOPE_TICKR/L block 5-118 wall with fence 5-125
slopetick 5-118 tie edges 3-8
software updates from DAT/EM support A-1 tinpolygons. See buildingframe
spline toolbar menus
angle 5-114 AutoCAD 2005 and previous 2-7
maximum XY distance 5-114 AutoCAD 2006 and higher 2-8 to 2-10
Z distance 5-114 transparent view pan 5-48
spot elevations 5-119 two-dimensional
spotx 5-119 2D polylines. See polylines
spotxset 5-119 arcs 5-15 to 5-16
square 5-121 digitizer mouse 3-1
squaring existing objects 5-121 two-shot mode for inserting blocks 3-5, 3-6
stairs 5-122 to 5-123
Startup Suite for Load Applications 2-12 to 2-13 U
stream mode digitizing 3-4, 5-30
street curbs and gutters 5-41, 5-107 units
SUPER/IMPOSITION commands 5-117 converting drawing 5-32
support contact information Appendix A English 5-112
switch programming 5-27 metric 5-112
symbol unrotatescreen 5-124
example list 3-4 updates from DAT/EM support A-1
factor 3-6
insertion 5-116 V
insertion example 3-5 versions of software 1-2
See also block vertex order, reversing 5-106
view
pan 5-48
rotation
angle of model 5-45
removing 5-124
W
wall and fence blocks 5-125
WALL_TICKR/L blocks 5-125
wallfence 5-125
websites
www.datem.com A-1
www.geotoolbox.com 6-1
Wintab Compatible Digitizer 2-3
wnp file for MATCH-T 5-89
www.datem.com A-1
www.geotoolbox.com 6-1
X
X and Y coordinates
moving to 5-46, 5-90
of control points 5-84, 5-85
snapping to 5-46
xref for edge ties 3-8
xsect 5-126 to 5-130
xy file 5-99
xyzin 5-131
xyzout 5-133
Z
Z coordinate
editing Z in polyline 5-64, 5-110
moving to 5-46, 5-135
snapping to 5-46
Z range of lines/polylines 5-33
zcheck 5-134
zmove 5-135