USER MANUAL

AUTOPLOTTER Ver 6.x

For Windows family
 AutoPlotter
User Manual
Date: 1st October 2008

(C) 2005 Infycons Creative Software Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore

All rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying, exhibiting, renting, exchanging, lending of
this User Manual or any part thereof, strictly prohibited and any such action establishes
liability for a civil action and may give rise to criminal prosecution.
The User Manual for AutoPlotter is supplied along with the software on the condition that it
is not to be sold, hired, exported or distributed by way of trade without proper license from
“Infycons Creative Software Pvt. Ltd.”

Infycons Creative Software Pvt. Ltd.

7/1, 1st Floor, 80 feet Road, Indiranagar, Bangalore -560038
Web: http://www.infycons.com email: support@infycons.com
 AUTOPLOTTER USER MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
one: INSTALLATION
1.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENT 1-1

1.2 INSTALLATION 1-1

1.3 UNINSTALLATION/MODIFY OPTIONS 1-2

1.4 REINSTALLATION 1-2

1.5 UPGRADING AUTOPLOTTER 1-2

1.6 TROUBLESHOOTING 1-2

two: OVERVIEW
2.1 STARTING AUTOPLOTTER 2-1

2.2 UNDERSTANDING AUTOPLOTTER’S INTERFACE 2-1

2.3 ACCESSING COMMANDS 2-2

2.4 BASIC OPERATIONS 2-2

2.5 USING COORDINATE SYSTEM 2-3

2.5.1 USING CARTESIAN AND POLAR COORDINATE SYSTEM 2-3

2.5.2 SPECIFYING CARTESIAN AND POLAR COORDINATE 2-4

three: DRAWING ENTITY

3.1 DRAWING LINES 3-1

3.1.1 LINE 3-1

3.1.2 POLYLINE 3-1

3.1.3 MULTILINE 3-2

3.1.4 POLYGON 3-3

3.2 DRAWING CURVED OBJECTS 3-3

3.2.1 DRAWING SPLINE OBJECTS 3-3

3.2.2 DRAWING CIRCLES 3-4

3.2.3 DRAWING ARCS 3-4

3.2.4 DRAWING ELLIPSE 3-5

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
3.3 DRAWING POINT OBJECT 3-5

3.4 DRAWING RECTANGLE 3-6

3.5 BLOCKS, ATTRIBUTES, XREFS 3-6

3.5.1 BLOCKS 3-6

3.5.2 ATTRIBUTES 3-8

3.5.3 XREFS 3-9

3.6 HATCH 3-10

Four: DRAWING WITH PRECISION

4.1 GRID AND SNAP 4-1

4.2 OBJECT SNAP 4-2

4.2.1 END POINT 4-2

4.2.2 MID POINT 4-2

4.2.3 CENTER 4-3

4.2.4 NODE 4-3

4.2.5 INTERSECTION 4-3

4.2.6 PERPENDICULAR SNAP 4-4

4.2.7 TANGENT SNAP 4-4

4.2.8 NEAREST SNAP 4-4

4.2.9 GRIP SNAP 4-4

4.2.10 OBJECT SNAP SETTINGS 4-5

4.3 POLAR TRACKING 4-5

4.4 CONSTRUCTION LINES 4-7

4.4.1 CREATING CONSTRUCTION LINE 4-7

4.4.2 CREATING RAYS 4-7

Five: CONTROLLING THE DRAWING DISPLAY

5.1 INTRODUCTION 5-1

5.2 USING ZOOM 5-1

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
5.2.1 ZOOM REALTIME 5-1

5.2.2 ZOOM IN 5-2

5.2.3 ZOOM OUT 5-2

5.2.4 ZOOM WINDOW 5-2

5.2.5 ZOOM EXTENTS 5-2

5.2.6 ZOOM TO SELECTED OBJECT 5-2

5.3 USING PAN 5-2

5.3.1 PAN REALTIME 5-2

5.3.2 PAN POINT 5-2

5.4 THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) VIEW 5-3

5.4.1 PLAN (TOP VIEW) 5-3

5.4.2 BOTTOM VIEW 5-3

5.4.3 VIEW FROM THE LEFT 5-3

5.4.4 VIEW FROM THE RIGHT 5-3

5.4.5 VIEW FROM THE FRONT 5-3

5.4.6 SW ISOMETRIC VIEW 5-3

5.4.7 SE ISOMETRIC VIEW 5-3

5.4.8 NE ISOMETRIC VIEW 5-3

5.4.9 NW ISOMETRIC VIEW 5-3

5.4.10 VIEW POINT PRESETS 5-4

5.6 TOOLBARS 5-4

5.7 MAGNIFIER 5-4

5.8 NAVIGATOR 5-5

SIX: EDITING METHODS

6.1 INTRODUCTION 6-1

6.2 SELECTING OBJECTS 6-1

6.2.1 CHOOSING COMMAND FIRST 6-1

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
6.2.2 ADDING AND REMOVING OBJECTS FROM A SELECTION SET 6-3

6.2.3 SELECTING OBJECTS FIRST 6-3

6.2.4 EDITING WITH GRIPS 6-4

6.3 EDITING OBJECTS USING OBJECT PROPERTIES TOOLBAR 6-4

6.3.1 EDITING LAYERS 6-5

6.3.2 EDITING COLORS 6-6

6.3.3 EDITING LINETYPES 6-7

6.4 COPYING OBJECTS 6-7

6.4.1 MIRRORING OBJECTS 6-7

6.5 MOVING OBJECTS 6-8

6.6 ROTATING OBJECTS 6-8

6.6.1 ROTATING BY GRIPS 6-8

6.7 ERASING OBJECTS 6-9

6.8 RESIZING OBJECTS 6-9

6.8.1 SCALING OBJECTS 6-9

6.8.2 EXTENDING OBJECTS 6-10

6.8.3 CHANGING THE LENGTH OF OBJECTS 6-10

6.8.4 TRIMMING OBJECTS 6-10

6.9 INSERTING BREAKS IN OBJECTS 6-10

6.10 EXPLODING OBJECTS 6-10

6.11 JOIN 6-11

6.12 EDITING POLYLINES 6-11

6.13 EDITING WITH PROPERTIES TAB 6-12

SEVEN: MANAGING PROJECTS

7.1 USING LAYERS 7-1

7.1.1 WORKING WITH LAYERS 7-1

7.1.2 CREATING AND NAMING LAYERS 7-1

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
7.1.3 MAKING A LAYER CURRENT 7-2

7.1.4 LOCKING AND UNLOCKING LAYERS 7-2

7.1.5 ASSIGNING COLOR TO LAYERS 7-2

7.1.6 ASSIGNING LINETYPE TO LAYERS 7-3

7.1.7 RENAMING LAYERS 7-5

7.1.8 DELETING LAYERS 7-5

7.2 WORKING WITH COLORS 7-5

7.2.1 SPECIFYING COLORS 7-5

7.2.2 SETTING THE CURRENT COLOR 7-5

7.3 WORKING WITH LINETYPES 7-6

7.3.1 TO LOAD A LINETYPE 7-6

7.3.2 MAKING A LINETYPE CURRENT 7-6

7.3.3 RENAMING LINETYPE 7-7

7.3.4 DELETING LINETYPES 7-7

7.3.5 CHANGING LINETYPE DESCRIPTION 7-7

7.3.6 SPECIFYING LINETYPE SCALE 7-7

7.4 ASSIGNING LAYERS, COLORS AND LINETYPES 7-7

EIGHT: DIMENSIONING AND TEXT

8.1 INTRODUCTION 8-1

8.2 DIMENSIONING CONCEPTS 8-1

8.2.1 DIMENSIONING TEXT 8-1

8.2.2 LEADER LINES 8-2

8.3 CREATING DIMENSIONS 8-2

8.3.1 TO SELECT A DIMENSION STYLE 8-2

8.3.2 LINEAR DIMENSION 8-3

8.3.3 RADIAL DIMENSION 8-3

8.3.4 ANGULAR DIMENSION 8-4

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
8.3.5 ORDINATE DIMENSIONS 8-4

8.3.6 LEADER AND ANNOTATION 8-4

8.3.7 CENTER MARK 8-5

8.4 WORKING WITH TEXT STYLES 8-5

8.4.1 CREATING AND MODIFYING TEXT STYLES 8-5

8.5 USING LINE TEXT 8-7

8.5.1 CREATING LINE TEXT 8-7

8.5.2 FORMATTING LINE TEXT 8-7

8.5.3 CHANGING LINE TEXT 8-8

8.6 USING MULTILINE TEXT 8-8

NINE: TOOLS AND UTILITIES

9.1 INTRODUCTION 9-1

9.1.1 EDIT POLYLINE 9-1

9.1.2 EDIT TEXT 9-1

9.1.3 AUTO DIMENSION 9-2

9.1.4 CLIPBOARD TO ENTITY 9-2

9.1.5 CREATE GRID 9-3

9.1.6 PURGE 9-3

9.2 CHANGING EDITOR OPTIONS 9-4

9.2.1 DISPLAY TAB 9-4

9.2.2 SELECTION TAB 9-6

9.2.3 DRAFTING TAB 9-7

9.2.4 EXPORT TAB 9-8

9.2.5 POFILES TAB 9-9

TEN: WORKING WITH SURVEY DATA

10.1 DATA TYPES 10-1

10.2 library 10-1

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
10.2.1 CODING METHODOLOGY 10-1

10.2.2 CONFIGURING LIBRARY 10-2

10.2.3 LIBRARY PARAMETERS 10-2

10.2.4 SAVING AND LOADING LIBRARY 10-5

10.3 DOWNLOADING SURVEY DATA 10-5

10.3.1 CONFIGURING COMMUNICATION PARAMETER 10-5

10.3.2 DOWNLOADING DATA 10-6

10.3.3 FORMATTING LINE TEXT 10-6

8.5.3 UPLOADING DATA 10-7

10.4 IMPORTING DATA 10-7

10.4.1 COLLECTED USING MODERN INSTRUMENTS 10-10

10.4.2 IMPORTING ASCII DATA 10-10

10.4.3 TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS 10-10

10.4.3.1 THEODOLITE 10-12

10.4.3.2 TACHEOMETER 10-13

10.4.3.3 DISTOMAT + ELECTRONIC THEODOLITE 10-14

10.4.3.4 LEVEL 10-15

10.4.4 GRAPHICAL DATA 10-15

10.4.4.1 AUTOPLOTTER DRAWING FILE (APD) 10-15

10.4.4.2 AUTOCADTM DRAWING FILE & DXF FILE 10-15

10.4.4.3 ARCINFOTM SHAPE FILE 10-15

10.5 VIEWING AND EDITING OF THE SURVEY DATA 10-16

ELEVEN: COGO
11.1 INTRODUCTION 11-1

11.2 DISTANCE 11-1

11.3 ANGLE AND INTERSECTION 11-1

11.3.1 ANGLE CALCULATION 11-1

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
11.3.2 ANGLE CALCULATION (LINE) 11-2

11.4 TRIANGLE SOLUTIONS 11-2

11.4.1 FOR 3 SIDES 11-3

11.4.2 FOR SIDE-ANGLE-SIDE 11-3

11.4.3 FOR ANGLE-SIDE-ANGLE 11-3

11.4.4 FOR ANGLE-ANGLE-SIDE 11-3

11.4.5 FOR SIDE-SIDE-ANGLE 11-4

11.4.6 FOR THREE POINTS 11-4

TWELVE: PLOTTING AND EXPORTING

12.1 PREPARING YOUR PLOTTER 12-1

12.2 PLOTTING YOUR DRAWING 12-1

12.3 PRINT PREVIEW 12-3

12.4 EXPORTING SURVEY DATA 12-4

12.5 EXPORTING DRAWING DATA 12-4

THIRTEEN: DTM AND CONTOUR

13.1 IMPORTING DATA 13-1

13.1.1 TOTAL STATION 13-1

13.1.2 TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS 13-1

13.1.3 GRAPHICAL DATA 13-1

13.2 VIEWING AND EDITING IMPORTED DATA 13-1

13.3 DTM FILTERS 13-1

13.3.1 ELEVATION FILTER 13-2

13.3.2 BOUNDARY FILTER 13-2

13.3.3 USING BREAKLINE 13-3

13.4 CONTOUR DEFINITION 13-4

13.4.1 CONTOUR BY GROUPS 13-4

13.4.2 CONTOUR BY RANGE 13-4

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
13.4.3 INDIVIDUAL CONTOUR DEFINITION 13-5

13.5 CREATE CONTOURS 13-6

13.5.1 LAYERS: CONTOUR 13-7

13.5.2 LAYERS: LAYER PREFIX 13-7

13.5.3 LAYERS: ANNOTATION 13-7

13.5.4 LAYERS: SPOT LEVEL 13-7

13.5.5 CURVE TYPE 13-7

13.5.6 CENTROIDAL FIT CONTOUR 13-7

13.5.7 USE GRID DATA 13-7

13.5.8 SHOW SURFACE 13-7

13.5.9 REBUILD DTM 13-8

13.5.10 SCANNING RADIUS 13-8

13.5.11 ANNOTATION: SHOW SPOT LEVEL 13-10

13.5.12 ANNOTATION: CONTOUR LEVELS AT END 13-10

13.5.13 ANNOTATION: TEXT HEIGHT 13-10

13.5.14 ANNOTATION: SPOT LEVEL TEXT HEIGHT 13-10

13.6 REMOTE ELEVATION 13-10

13.7 EXPORT TO GRID 13-11

13.8 ADD POINTS 13-12

13.9 DTM 13-12

13.9.1 HOW TO CREATE NEW DTM 13-13

13.9.2 HOW TO MAKE DTM CURRENT 13-13

13.10 TERRAIN VOLUME 13-13

13.10.1 FINDING VOLUME BETWEEN A DTM SURFACE AND DATUM 13-13

13.10.2 FINDING VOLUME BETWEEN TWO DTM SURFACES 13-14

13.11 CROSS SECTION AND AREA 13-15

13.12 LONGITUDINAL PROFILE AND VOLUME 13-17

13.13 PROFILE ON CONTOUR 13-18

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Pg. no.
FOURTEEN: SECTIONS
14.1 IMPORTING SECTION DATA 14-1

14.2 CREATING CROSS SECTION TEMPLATE 14-3

14.3 ALIGNING ROUTE DATA 14-5

14.4 SECTION DATA FROM DTM 14.6

14.5 LONGITUDINAL SECTION 14.7

14.6 CROSS SECTION 14-11

14.7 CROSS SECTIONAL AREAS 14-15

14.7.1 dEFINE AREA 14-15

14.7.2 AREA REPORT 14-16

 AUTOPLOTTER INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
AutoPlotter is an user friendly engineering application used in surveying, civil engineering field, mining
field, road design and construction field and different other related fields. AutoPlotter simplifies the and
minimizes the time required for various output generation such as contours, traverse & cadastral maps,
longitudinal profile, cross-section, volume calculation etc. and acts on field to finish concept. AutoPlotter
has an inbuilt drawing editor to display the drawing output.

The user manual is common for different editions of AutoPlotter, but all the functionality may not be found
in the edition installed at your system.

This user manual is designed as a ready reference with quick starts. Chapters are defined based on their
output and functionality. Bold Italics text denotes any item from the AutoPlotter’s menu. Italic Text
denotes item from AutoPlotter’s Window.

Chapter 1 (Installation) explains how to install, reinstall and upgrade AutoPlotter.

Chapter 2 (Overview) makes you familiar with the AutoPlotter’s CAD environment and you learn to
create, open and save a project file. You also learn about coordinate system.

Chapter 3 (Drawing Entity) teaches you to create objects (lines, points, curves...)

Chapter 4 (Drawing with Precision) teaches you to use snaps, grids and other tools

Chapter 5 (Controlling the Drawing Display) teaches you how to view and navigate in your drawing
window and view your data in 2D/3D

Chapter 6 (Editing methods) teaches you how to edit and modify the entities created.

Chapter 7 (Managing Project) teaches you how to create and use Layers, Pages, Colors and Line styles.

Chapter 8 (Dimensioning and Text) teaches you how to add measurements and text to drawing and set
the tolerance and precision.

Chapter 9 (Tools and Utilities) explains you how you can use the tools and utilities to be more
productive with your AutoPlotter system

Chapter 10 (Working with Survey Data) explains you the functionality of Library and how to import
survey data of different formats in your AutoPlotter project.

Chapter 11 (COGO) explains you the use of COGO features such as resection calculation, conversions
etc. which are required in day to day survey activity

Chapter 12 (Printing and Exporting) teaches you how to print your drawing using different scales.
This chapter also shows you how to export your data to other formats

Chapter 13 (DTM and contour) teaches you about DTM, contours, volume for regions etc.

Chapter 14 (Section) teaches you about Longitudinal and cross sections

ICS
 CHAPTER 1
installation
1.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENT

1.2 INSTALLATION

1.3 UNINSTALLATION/MODIFY OPTIONS

1.4 REINSTALLATION

1.5 UPGRADING AUTOPLOT TER

1.6 TROUBLESHOOTING
 AUTOPLOTTER 1.0 Installation

1.0 Installation
1.1 Systems Requirements
The following minimum system and software requirements has to be met before installation.

! A minimum free Hard disk space of 30 Mb

! 128 MB of RAM (recommended), 32 MB (minimum)

! CD-ROM drive for initial installation only

! 32 bit Version : Windows Family

! Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or later

! TCP/IP or IPX protocol: If you are a system administrator planning to install AutoPlotter on a network,
you must have either the TCP/IP or IPX protocol installed and functioning on the computers running
AutoPlotter. (Optional)

! Parallel Port / USB hub for hardware lock.

1.2 Installation
Follow the step by step procedure to install Autoplotter in your system:-

1. Insert the CD-ROM supplied with the package. A Startup wizard should automatically appear on your
screen. If it does not appear, Go to Windows explorer and run Start.exe from the CD drive.

2. To install AutoPlotter 6.x, select the option from the list . Setup wizard will start and installation screen
will appear. Click the Next button.

3. This will display the license agreement for the software. Go through the license agreement, & if you
agree to it, continue by pressing Yes button.

4. User Details screen will appear. Enter the user details for the software & then click the Next button.

5. You will be asked to select the directory where you want to install.

The default directory is C:\Infycons\AP6x. Select the appropriate folder where you want to
install using the Browse button. Continue by clicking the Next button.

6. You will be prompted to select the type of installation.

A) If your supply includes LPT dongle, select AutoPlotter 6.x with LPT support.

B) If your supply includes USB dongle, select Autoplotter 6.x with USB support.

C) If you are installing the demo edition of AutoPlotter, select the demo version which you want to
install:

(Standard/Professional/Professional+Mines)

Continue by pressing Next button

7. The setup will start and complete automatically and shortcuts will be created in windows start menu
and also on the desktop. You may be prompted to restart the system. In such case you should Restart your
system.

8. To install any other software supplied along with AutoPlotter, return to the startup screen and select the
appropriate option.

ICS 1-1
 AUTOPLOTTER 1.0 Installation

1.3 Uninstallation/Modify Options

To Uninstall AutoPlotter or modify the installed options for AutoPlotter you can follow either of the
following 2 methods

1st Method

1. From Windows Start Menu, select Settings->Control Panel. Select Add or Remove Programs from
Control Panels List. In the Add/Remove Program window once the list appears, select AutoPlotter and
Change or Remove Program.

2. A window will appear asking whether you want to Modify, Repair or Remove the software. Select the
appropriate option and click Next Button. If you have selected the Uninstall option, the software will be
uninstalled and may prompt you to Restart the computer.

3. In case, you have selected the Modify option, On pressing Next button another window will appear
where you can change the installation options.

4. In case you have selected Repair option, the software will be repaired based on your current
installation.

2nd Method

1. Insert the CD-ROM supplied with the package. Once the Startup wizard appears on screen, select the
option: install AutoPlotter 6.x, from the list . Rest of process is same as in Method 1

1.4 Reinstallation
To Reinstall AutoPlotter, uninstall the currently installed software from your system (Ref. 1.3) and then
install AutoPlotter (Ref. 1.2)

1.5 Upgrading AutoPlotter

You can Update the current version of AutoPlotter to a newer released version. The step by step procedure
is given below:

1) Install AutoPlotter in your system (Ref. 1.2). If you have already installed AutoPlotter, you can
skip this step.

2) Download the Update : Skip this step If update is supplied along with your kit. To download Update file,
visit www.infycons.com and goto the update section. Download the Update file based on your type of
installation.

3) Before starting with the update, you need to close the all the sessions of AutoPlotter.

4) Unzip the downloaded file and run the executable file. This will start Update AutoPlotter. And display a
message that AutoPlotter has been successfully updated.

1.6 Troubleshooting
If an error occurs during installation or update, try the following

1. Uninstall AutoPlotter (Ref. 1.3) from your system (if already installed) and restart the computer.

2. Install AutoPlotter (Ref. 1.2)

3. Start with the update process if you want to upgrade (Ref. 1.5)

If you still face problem, contact our support at : support@infycons.com, & describe the exact errors that
you are facing with error numbers if any.

1-2 ICS
 CHAPTER 2
OVERVIEW
2.1 STARTING AUTOPLOTTER

2.2 UNDERSTANDING AUTOPLOTTER’S INTERFACE

2.3 ACCESSING COMMANDS

2.4 BASIC OPERATIONS

2.5 USING COORDINATE SYSTEM

 AUTOPLOTTER 2.0 Overview

2.0 Overview

2.1 Starting AutoPlotter

You can start AutoPlotter by double clicking the icon created in the Desktop or by selecting the AutoPlotter
shortcut located in Infycons folder of Windows Start Menu. Once AutoPlotter starts a Splash Screen is
displayed and then the Main AutoPlotter window appears as shown below

Menu

Toolbars

Main Drawing Area

Properties Tab

Command Window

Status Bar
Figure 2-1: AutoPlotter Main Window
2.2 Understanding AutoPlotter’s Interface
When you start AutoPlotter, the initial screen contains the menu bar at the top, the status bar at the
bottom, the drawing window, the command window, and several toolbars. Toolbars contain icons that
represent commands. The menu bar contains the menus. The status bar displays the cursor coordinates
and the status of modes such as Grid and Snap.

Toolbar: Toolbars contain tools, represented by icons, that start commands. When you move the
pointing device over a tool, a tooltip displays the name of the tool. You can hide or display a toolbar from
Toolbars option in View menu.

Menus: The menus are available from the menu bar at the top of the AutoPlotter window. You can choose
menu options in one of the following ways:

After you click the menu name to display a list of options, click the option to choose it, or

Hold down ALT and then enter the underlined letter in the menu name. For example, to open a new
AutoPlotter Project, hold down ALT while pressing F (ALT+F) to open the File menu. Then press ENTER to
choose the highlighted New Project option.

Popup menu: This menus are displayed based on the current command or window. On Right clicking the

ICS 2-1
 AUTOPLOTTER 2.0 Overview

mouse, the popup menu appears. Popup menu changes based on the current command or window.

Command Window: The command window is a window in which you enter commands and AutoPlotter
displays prompts and messages. Two or three lines of previous commands are also displayed for history
and reference purpose. To use the command window and enter commands, your mouse focus should be in
drawing editor.

2.3 Accessing Commands

In AutoPlotter, a command can be started from either of the four options: Menu,Toolbar/Pop Up
Menu/Command Line. Toolbars have limited commands. Command Line has command related mostly to
graphics. Menu has complete listing of command. Future topics in this manual will show you options for
accessing a command by menu, by toolbar, by command line along with keyboard shortcut or command
line shortcut.

Mouse Operations

You can choose menu options and tools by clicking them with a mouse. You can also use the mouse to draw
or to select objects on the screen. On a two-button mouse, the left button is the pick button, used to
specify points on the screen. The right button is the return button if no popup menu is associated. Pressing
the return button is equivalent to pressing ENTER. With a three-button mouse, the middle button can act
as Dynamic Pan or Zoom. Middle roller button can be used for Dynamic Zoom. operation.

2.4 Basic operations

Undo/Redo

With AutoPlotter you can undo your most recent action or actions performed in the drawing editor window
using any of several methods. The simplest is to use the UNDO (Shortcut: U) command to undo a single
action.

You can also Redo a previously undone action by using the REDO command. AutoPlotter supports up to 100
Undo and Redo operations since you have started Autoplotter.

Refreshing Display

From the View menu, choose Regen.

Command line: REGEN

Opening a AutoPlotter Project

From the File menu, choose Open Project

In the toolbar click:

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + O

Once the File selection dialogue appears, select the AutoPlotter project file (File Extension APP). If you
already have a project open, AutoPlotter prompts you to save that current project when you open another
one.

Saving a AutoPlotter Project

From the File menu, choose Save Project

In the toolbar click:

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + S

2-2 ICS
 AUTOPLOTTER 2.0 Overview

If you had previously saved and named the drawing, AutoPlotter saves any subsequent changes made to
the project in the same file. If you have never saved the project, the Save Project As dialog box is
displayed. Once the Save dialogue appears, Enter the new AutoPlotter project file name (The file
extension is not required). File is saved with APP extension.

Getting Help

AutoPlotter includes online Help. It contains some information that does not appear in this book.

You can display online Help in any of these ways:

On the Standard toolbar, click Help. Press F1. Select Help menu.

Exiting AutoPlotter

If you have saved your most recent changes, you can exit AutoPlotter without saving the project again. If
you have not saved your changes, AutoPlotter prompts you to save or discard the changes or cancel the
command.

2.5 Using Coordinate System

When a command prompts you for a point, you can use the pointing device to specify a point in the graphics
area or you can enter coordinate values on the command line. This section describes how to enter
coordinate values. Use Grid and Snap mode to specify evenly spaced points on the graphics area.

2.5.1 Using Cartesian and Polar Coordinate Systems

A Cartesian coordinate system has three axes, X, Y, and Z. When you enter coordinate values, you indicate
a point's distance (in units) and its direction (+ or -) along the X, Y, and Z axes relative to the coordinate
system origin (0,0,0). The X axis is horizontal, the Y axis is vertical, and the Z axis is perpendicular to the
XY plane.

Polar coordinate systems use a distance and an angle to locate a point.

Locating Points
The following illustration demonstrates the location of points
on the XY plane. The 8,5 coordinate indicates a point 8 units in
the positive X direction and 5 units in the positive Y direction.
The - 4,2 coordinate represents a point 4 units in the negative X
direction and 2 units in the positive Y direction.
If your work involves 3D modeling, you can add the Z axis to
your coordinates so that a point is specified as X,Y,Z. The origin
in a 3D coordinate system is the point where the values of X, Y,

Figure 2-2: Two-dimensional coordinate system and Z are zero.

Displaying Coordinates

AutoPlotter displays the current cursor location as a coordinate in the status bar at the bottom of the
Windows screen. Current cursor location
AutoPlotter dynamically updates the coordinates as you move cursor.

To find the coordinate of a given point on an existing object, use the ID command. To ensure precision, use
object snaps to select the point on the object.

Another method is by selecting grips. Grips are small boxes that appear at strategic locations on objects,
such as endpoints and midpoints. When the cursor snaps to a grip, the display shows its coordinate.

ICS 2-3
 AUTOPLOTTER 2.0 Overview

2.5.2 Specifying Cartesian and Polar Coordinates

In two-dimensional space, you specify points on the XY plane, also called the construction plane. The
construction plane is similar to a flat sheet of grid paper. The X value of a Cartesian coordinate specifies
horizontal distance, and the Y value specifies vertical distance. The origin point (0,0) indicates where the
two axes intersect.
You can enter 2D coordinates as either Cartesian (X,Y) or polar coordinates. Polar
coordinates use a distance and an angle to locate a point. You can use absolute or
relative values with each method. Absolute coordinate values are based on the
origin (0,0). Relative coordinate values are based on the last point entered. They
are useful for finding a series of points that are a known distance apart.

Entering Absolute X,Y coordinate

To enter an absolute X,Y coordinate, specify a point by entering its X and Y values in the format X,Y. Use
absolute X,Y coordinates when you know the precise X and Y values of the location of the point.
For example, to draw a line beginning at an X value of -2 and a Y
value of 1, make the following entries on the command line:

Command: Specify first point: Enter -2,1

Specify next point: Enter 3,4

AutoCAD locates the line as shown in Fig. 2-3

Specify next point: Enter @5,3

This draws the same line shown in Fig. 2-3

Figure 2-3
Entering Polar Coordinates

To enter a polar coordinate, enter a distance and an angle, separated by an

angle bracket (<). For example, to specify a point that is at a distance of 1 unit
from the previous point and at an angle of 45 degrees, enter @1<45. Angles
increase in the counterclockwise and decrease in the clockwise direction. To
move clockwise, enter a negative value for the angle. For example, entering
1<315 is the same as entering 1<-45
Figure 2-4
Entering Relative Coordinates

Use relative X,Y coordinates when you know the position of a point in relation to the previous point. For
example, to locate a point relative to -2,1, precede the next coordinate with the @ symbol:

Command: Specify first point: Enter -2,1

2-4 ICS
 CHAPTER 3
DRAWING ENTITY
3.1 DRAWING LINES

3.2 DRAWING CURVED OBJECTS

3.3 DRAWING POINT OBJECT

3.4 DRAWING RECTANGLE

3.5 BLOCKS, ATTRIBUTES, XREFS

3.6 HATCH
 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

3.0 Drawing Entity

With AutoPlotter's drawing tools, you can create a range of objects, from simple lines and circles to spline
curves, ellipses, and associative hatch areas. In general, you draw objects by specifying points with the
pointing device or by entering coordinate values on the command line.

3.1 Drawing Lines

The line is the most basic object in AutoPlotter. You can create a variety of lines:single lines, multiple line
segments with and without arcs, and multiple parallel lines. In general, you draw lines by specifying
coordinate points, properties such as linetype or color, and measurements such as angles. For
information on how to specify coordinates, Refer topic 2.5 The default linetype is CONTINUOUS, an
unbroken line, but various linetypes are available that use dots and dashes. For more information about
linetypes, Refer topic 7.3

3.1.1 Line
A line can be one segment or a series of connected segments, but each segment is a separate line object.
Use lines if you want to edit individual segments. If you need to draw a series of line segments as a single
object, use a polyline.

To Draw a Line object

1. From Draw menu, choose Line or, from Draw toolbar,choose

Command Line: Line Command Line shortcut: L

2. Specify first point:

3. Specify next point:

This step repeats till you press Enter.

3.1.2 Polyline
A polyline is a connected sequence of line or arc segments created as a single object. Use polylines if you
want to edit all segments at once, although you can also edit them singly. You can set the width of
individual segments from properties (Refer topic XXX), make segments taper, and close the polyline.
When you draw arc segments, the first point of the arc is the endpoint of the previous segment. You can
complete the arc by specifying an endpoint.

To Draw polyline using straight segments

1. From the Draw menu, choose Polyline or, from the Draw toolbar, choose .

Command Line: PLINE Command Line Shortcut: PL

2. Specify the first point of the polyline.

3. Specify the endpoint of each polyline segment.

4. Press ENTER to end or to close the polyline.

To Draw polyline using Arcs

1. From the Draw menu, choose Polyline or, from the Draw toolbar, choose .
Command Line: PLINE Command Line Shortcut: PL

2. Specify the start point of the line segment (1).

3. Specify the endpoint of the line segment (2).

ICS 3-1
 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

4. Enter A to switch to Arc mode.

5. Specify the endpoint of the arc (3).

6. Enter L to return to Line mode.

7. Enter another vertex of polyline.

8. Press ENTER to end the polyline.

Figure 3-1: Polyline with Arc

3.1.3 Multiline
Multilines consist of between 1 and 10 parallel lines, called elements. You position the elements by
specifying the desired offset of each element from the origin of the multiline. You can create and save
multiline styles or use the default style, which has two elements. You can set the color and linetype of each
element and display or hide the joints of the multiline. Joints are lines that appear at each vertex. There
are two end caps you can give the multiline:lines or arcs.

Creating Multiline

1. From the Draw menu, choose Multiline or, from the Draw toolbar, choose .

Command Line: MLINE Command Line Shortcut: ML

2. Specify first point

3. Specify next Point

4. Repeat the step above to specify more points. You can Undo the previous point by entering U.

5. To finish drawing the multiline, press ENTER or right-click and select Enter from popup menu. To Close
the first point and the last point, type C in command prompt.

Creating Multiline Styles

1. Choose Multiline style from the Config menu.

Command line: MLINESTYLE Command line shortcut:

MLS

2. In the Multiline Styles dialog box choose New

button. A new style is added. Enter the Name
for the new multiline

3. Choose Add Line to create a new offset line.

4. To add an element, choose Add, and then

make any necessary changes to Offset, Color,
and Linetype. Choose OK.

The offset defines the 0,0 origin of the multiline

relative to which other elements are drawn.

Figure 3-2: Multiline Style Dialogue There doesn't have to be an element drawn at
the origin.
5. Scale determines the actual units at which multiline will be drawn. Offset specified will be scaled
according to the scale entered.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

6. Choose the Justification for the multiline from the combo. Justification controls the vertex point
location of multiline (Top/Zero/Bottom)

7. Choose Display Joint to show joints at line segments. Similarly choose Start or End Line/Arc if required.

8. Choose Current to make the new multiline current. Choose Ok to close the multiline dialogue box

3.1.4 Polygon

Polygons are closed polylines with a minimum of 3 equal-length sides. You draw a polygon by inscribing it
in, or circumscribing it about, an imaginary circle. Because polygons always have equal-length sides,
they provide a simple way to draw squares and equilateral triangles.

Creating Polygon

1. From the Draw menu, choose Polygon or from Draw toolbar, choose . Command Line: POLYGON . A
window is displayed as shown below
2. Enter the number of Sides and select
whether the p o l yg o n is inscribed or
circumscribed to circle.

3. Center point of imaginary circle, its radius

and rotation of polygon can be specified in
dialogue box or on screen. Select appropriate
option and enter the values and choose Ok. If
you have selected onscreen entry, you will be
Figure 3-3: Polygon Dialogue box
prompted to enter value for the same.
3.2 Drawing Curved Objects
In AutoPlotter you can draw a variety of curved objects such as spline, arc, ellipse and circle.

3.2.1 Drawing Spline Objects

A spline is a smooth curve passing through a given set of points. AutoPlotter uses a particular type of
spline known as a nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curve. A NURBS curve produces a smooth curve
between control points. Splines are useful for creating irregular-shaped curves.

You can also smoothen a polyline by changing its Fit Type property (discussed in Chapter 4) but cannot
create a spline curves.

You create splines by specifying coordinate points. You can close the spline so the start point and endpoint
are coincident and tangent. You can create a Polygonal Spline which is closed and filled.

To Draw a Spline

1. From the Draw menu, choose Spline or, from the Draw toolbar, choose

2. Specify the spline's start point (1).

3. Specify points (2-5) to create the spline and Right Click and choose Enter from popup menu.

4. Specify the start and end tangents (6, 7).

Figure 3-4B: Same Spline Drawn with different

Figure 3-4A: Spline Illustration Start & End Tangent point

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 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

3.2.2 Drawing Circles

You can create circles in several ways. The default method is to specify the center and radius. You can also
specify the center and diameter. You can define the circle's circumference with two or three points as well.

To draw a circle by specifying a center point and radius

1. From the Draw menu, choose Circle->Center, Radius

2. Specify the center point.

3. Specify the radius.

To draw a circle by specifying a center point and diameter Figure 3-5A: Circle, Center and Radius
1. From the Draw menu, choose Circle->Center, Diameter

2. Specify the center point.

3. Specify the diameter of the circle.

To draw a circle by specifying two points

1. From the Draw menu, choose Circle->2 points

2. Specify the first point.

3. Specify the second point.

Figure 3-5B: Circle, 3 Points
To draw a circle by specifying three points

1. From the Draw menu, choose Circle->3 points

2
2. Specify the first point.
3
3. Specify the second point.
1
4. Specify the third point. This will draw circle circumscribed in an imaginary triangle.

3.2.3 Drawing Arcs

You can create arcs in many ways. The default method is to specify three points--a starting point, a second
point on the arc, and an endpoint. You can also specify the included angle, radius, direction, and chord
length of arcs. The chord of an arc is a straight line between the endpoints. Autoplotter draws arcs
counterclockwise.

To Draw an arc by specifying three points

1. From the Draw menu, choose Arc 3 Points or from Draw toolbar choose

Command Line: Arc Command Line Shortcut: A

2. Specify the start point (1) by selecting end point snap and selecting the line.

The arc snaps to the endpoint of the line. Figure 3-6: Arc with 3 Points
3. Specify the second point (2) by selecting mid point snap and selecting the mid point of the top line.

4. Specify the endpoint of the arc (3).

Other ways of drawing a arc are:-

By specifying Start, Center & End point.

By specifying Start, Center & Angle (Included).

By specifying Start, Center & Length of Arc.

By specifying Start, End & Angle(Included).

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 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

By specifying Start, End & Tangent Direction.

By specifying Start, End & Radius of Arc.

By specifying Start, Center & End.

By specifying Center , Start & Angle (Included).

3.2.4 Drawing Ellipse

The default method of drawing an ellipse is to specify the endpoints of the first axis and the distance, which
is half the length of the second axis. The longer axis of an ellipse is called the major axis, and the shorter
one is the minor axis. The order in which you define the axes does not matter.

Figure 3-7: Ellipse explanation

Drawing Ellipse

1. From the Draw menu, choose Ellipse or from Draw toolbar choose

Command Line: ELLIPSE Command Line Shortcut: EL

2. Specify the center point.

3. Specify rotation angle and first radius.

4. Specify second radius.

3.3 Drawing Point object

Point objects can be useful, for example, as node or reference points that you can snap to and offset
objects from. You can set the style of the point and its size relative to the screen or in absolute units.

To Create a Point

1. From the Draw menu, choose Point or from Draw toolbar, choose

Command Line: POINT Command Line Shortcut: PO

2. Specify a point.

3. Repeat the same to specify more points.

4. Press ENTER to finish.

Point Style & Size

1. From the Config menu, choose Point Style. Command

Line: POINTSTYLE. A window appears as shown in fig. 3-8A

2. Choose Simple from the list and press Details button.

3. For Mode, choose the appropriate marker to be

displayed, for example cross, plus, point etc.

4. For size, enter the point markers absolute size

5. On pressing the Ok button, your point marker and size

will be set and your drawing will be updated automatically.
Figure 3-8A: Point Style window
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 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

Point Style & Size

1. From the Config menu, choose Point Style. Command

Line: POINTSTYLE. A window appears as shown in fig. 3-8A

2. Press New button

3. Enter Name of Style. (P1)

4. Select State of the point. It can be Don’t Draw, Draw

Symbol Only, Draw Text Only, Draw Text & Symbol Only.
Using the state, you can show a text or a symbol or both
along with point. You also have option not to show point.

5. Block is where you specify any blocks to be displayed

along with point. (Required only if State selected is Draw
Symbol Only or Draw Text & Symbol Only)

Figure 3-8B: Creation of new Point style 7. Scale is where you enter the scale for the block
specified. (Required only if Block is specified)
8. Font is where you specify the Font Name to be used.(Required only if State selected is Draw Text Only or
Draw Text & Symbol Only)

9. Height is where you specify the height of text (Required only if Text is specified)

10. Checkmark Enable Snap to Point if you want point of this style to used during node snap mode.

11. Checkmark Non-Movable if you want point to be fixed at point of insertion.

12. Press Current to make the new point style active so that new points drawn uses this point style.

13. Press Ok button to save and close the dialogue.

3.4 Drawing Rectangle

1. From the Draw menu, choose Rectangle or from Draw toolbar, choose

Command Line: RECTANG

2. Specify first corner.

3. Specify second corner.

3.5 Blocks, Attributes & XRefs

AutoPlotter provides several features to help you manage objects in your drawings. With blocks you can
organize and manipulate many objects as one component. Attributes associate items of information with
the blocks in your drawings, for example, parcel numbers and names.

Using AutoPlotter’s external references, or xrefs, you can attach or overlay entire drawings to your
current drawing. When you open your current drawing, any changes that have been made in the
referenced drawing appear in the current drawing.

Specification sheets or bills of materials can also be created using this information.

3.5.1 Blocks
A block is a collection of objects you can associate together to form a single object, or block definition. You
can insert, scale, and rotate a block in a drawing. You can explode a block into its component objects,
modify them, and redefine the block definition. AutoPlotter updates all future instances of that block

3-6 ICS
 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

based on the block definition.

Blocks streamline the drawing process. For example, you can use blocks to

Build a standard library of frequently used symbols, components, or standard parts. You can insert the
same block numerous times instead of re-creating the drawing elements each time.

Revise drawings efficiently by inserting, relocating, and copying blocks as components rather than
individual geometric objects.

Save disk space by storing all references to the same block as one block definition in the drawing
database.

When you insert a block in your drawing, you are creating a block instance. Each time you insert a block
instance, you assign a scale factor and rotation angle to the inserted block. You can also scale a block
instance using different values in any coordinate (X, Y, Z) direction.

Creating a Block Definition

1. From the Draw menu, choose Create Block. Command Line: BLOCK. A window appears as shown.
2. Enter the Name of Block (Station)

3. Press Select objects button. The

current window will hide, and you
need to select the entities from the
drawing screen which should be
used in the block definition. Once
you have selected the entities,
right-click and the block definition
window is shown again.

4. Press Pick Point button and select

the insertion point for the block.
Alternatively you can enter the
coordinates in the space provided.

5. You can either retain the selected

objects for the block, or convert Figure 3-9: Block Creation
them into a block, or delete them from drawing once your block is created. Select the appropriate option.

6. You can enter some description for the block (optional)

4. Pressing Ok button will create the block. In case the name specified for the block already exists,
AutoPlotter will ask you whether you want to redefine the current block. If you choose to redefine all the
block instances will be updated automatically.

Inserting a Block definition

You can insert blocks or entire drawings into the current drawing with INSERT command. When you insert
a block or drawing, you specify the insertion point, scale, and rotation angle. When you insert an entire
drawing into another drawing, AutoPlotter treats the inserted drawing like any other block reference.
Subsequent insertions reference the block definition (which contains the geometric description of the
block) with different position, scale, and rotation settings. If you change the original drawing after
inserting it, the changes have no effect on the inserted block. If you want the inserted block to reflect the

ICS 3-7
 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

changes you made to the original drawing, you can redefine the block by reinserting the original drawing.

If you want to insert a drawing but you don't want the file name to be the same as the block name, or if the
file name is more than 31 characters or spaces, you can change the same.

To Insert a Block

1. From the Draw menu, choose Block or, from the Draw toolbar, choose

Command Line: INSERT Command Line shortcut: I

2. In the Insert dialog box,
specify the block name, where
you want to insert it in the
current drawing, and whether
you want to explode it after
insertion.

3. If you have modified the

original drawing file for a
block, you can redefine the
block in the current drawing
by choosing File to locate the
file for the block.The block
reference is updated in the
current drawing.

4.Choose OK. In case you

Figure 3-10: Block Insertion have selected Specify on
screen option, then you will be prompted the entry in command line.

There is an option for creating a rectangular array of the inserted block. For this Columns and Rows entry is
provided along with dx and dy. dx and dy is the distance in x and y direction from one column to another one
row to another respectively.

3.5.2 Attributes
To create an attribute, you must first create an attribute definition, which describes the characteristics of
the attribute. The characteristics include the
tag, prompt, va l u e information, text
formatting, location, and any optional modes.

1. Choose Define Attributes from the Draw

menu.

Command line: ATTDEF

2. In the Attribute Definition dialog box, specify

the insertion point and set the Attribute modes,
tag, prompt, and text options.

3. Choose OK.

After creating the attribute definition, you can

select it as an object in a block definition (Ref
Figure 3-11: Attribute Definition
3-8 ICS
 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

3.2.1). If the attribute definition is incorporated into a block, whenever you insert the block, AutoPlotter
prompts you with the text string you specified for the attribute. Each subsequent instance of the block can
have a different value specified for the attribute. If you want to use several attributes together, create
each one separately and then include them in the same block.

Editing Attribute Definition for Blocks

If attribute definition has been used while creating block, attributes can be edited if required.

1. Choose Attribute Manager from the Config Menu. A window appears as shown.
2. Select the Block from the Combo List and
then select the attribute from the list.

3. Attribute tab contains information like Tag,

Prompt & Default along with Modes. Change
the value as required.

4. Text options tab has details text used for

attribute definition such as justification, text
height, style, rotation etc. Change the value
as required.

5. Properties tab has information on Layer,

Linetype, Color and Lineweight of attribute.
Change the value as required.

6. Choose the Global visibility

7. Press Ok button to save and close the

attribute window.

You have option for Sync where the blocks will

Figure 3-12: Block Insertion
be updated based on the selection.
You can also Delete the attribute from the Block using the Delete button.

3.5.3 XRefs
An external reference (xref) links another drawing to the current drawing. When you insert a drawing as a
block, the block definition and all of the associated geometry is stored in the current drawing database. It
is not updated if the original drawing changes. When you insert a drawing as an xref, however, it is updated
when the original drawing changes. A drawing that contains xrefs, therefore, always reflects the most
current editing of each externally referenced file.

Like a block reference, an xref is displayed in the current drawing as a single object. However, an xref does
not significantly increase the file size of the current drawing and cannot be exploded. As with block
references, you can nest xrefs that are attached to your drawing. By attaching xrefs, you can

Assemble a master drawing from component drawings that may undergo changes as a project develops.

Coordinate your work with the work of others by overlaying other drawings on your drawing to keep up
with the changes being made by other users.

Ensure that the most recent version of the referenced drawing is displayed. When you open or plot your
drawing, AutoPlotter automatically reloads each xref, so it reflects the latest state of the referenced
drawing file.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 3.0 Drawing Entity

3.6 Hatch
Hatching fills a specified area in a drawing with a pattern. You can hatch an enclosed area or a specified
boundary using the HATCH command.

HATCH can define boundaries automatically when you specify a point within the area to be hatched. Any
whole or partial objects that are not part of the boundary are ignored and do not affect the hatch. The
boundary can have overhanging edges and islands (enclosed areas within the hatch area) that you choose
to hatch or leave unhatched. You can also define a boundary by selecting objects.
Creating Hatch from Internal Point

1. From the Draw menu, choose Hatch or, from the

Draw toolbar, choose

Command Line: HATCH

2. In the Hatch dialog box, choose Pick Points.

3. Specify a point in your drawing inside each area

you want hatched.

4. Right Click.

5. In the Hatch dialog box, choose Ok to apply the

hatch.

Note: When using Pick Points to create an hatch,

specify one internal point per hatch block

Figure 3-13: Hatch placement. Specifying more than one internal point
can produce unexpected results.
Creating Hatch from Entities

1. From the Draw menu, choose Hatch or, from the Draw toolbar, choose

Command Line: HATCH

2. In the Hatch dialog box, choose Pick Entities.

3. Specify the entity or entities you want to hatch. The entity should be closed.

4. Right Click.

5. In the Hatch dialog box, choose Ok to apply the hatch.

Using Hatch Pattern

AutoPlotter supplies a solid fill and more than 50 industry-standard hatch patterns. Hatch patterns
highlight a particular feature or area of a drawing. For example, patterns can help differentiate the
components of a 3D object or represent the materials that make up an object. AutoPlotter supplies 14
hatch patterns that conform to the ISO (International Standardization Organization) standards. These
patterns are listed at the end of the pattern list in the Hatch Pattern Palette dialog boxes. When you select
an ISO pattern, you can specify a pen width, which determines the line weight in the pattern.

You can use a pattern supplied with AutoPlotter or one from an external pattern library. These patterns are
listed by name and shown in the Hatch Pattern Palette dialog box. You can define a simple line pattern
using the current linetype with the User-Defined Pattern option, or you can create more complex hatch
patterns.

3-10 ICS
 CHAPTER 4
DRAWING WITH PRECISION
4.1 GRID AND SNAP

4.2 OBJECT SNAP

4.3 POLAR TRACKING

4.4 CONSTRUCTION LINES

 AUTOPLOTTER 4.0 Drawing with Precision

4. 0 Drawing with Precision

With AutoPlotter you can create your drawings with precise geometry without performing tedious
calculations. Often you can specify precise points without knowing the coordinates. Without leaving the
drawing screen, you can perform calculations on your drawing and display various types of status
information.

4.1 Grid and Snap

The grid is a pattern of equidistant dots that extends over the drawing. Using the grid is similar to placing a
sheet of grid paper under a transparent drawing. The grid serves two purposes; first, it helps you align
objects and visualize the distances between them; and, second, the grid can be used as a snap device, or
frame that entities may drape themselves on. The grid makes coordinate points "visible".

AutoPlotter allows you to set cursor snap to the grid nodes. The cursor will then move exactly from node to
node as you move the mouse. At any time you can turn the grid visibility on/off by pressing F7, or turn grid
snapping on/off by pressingF9.

By default, the distance between grid nodes is 1.0 drawing unit, with the bold step being 10 nodes. In
other words, the minor tics are one unit apart and the major tics are ten units apart.

To setup the desired grid, do the following:-

1. Choose Grid from Tools menu. A window will be displayed as shown.

2. Enter the Step in X, Y and Z direction in the
Size frame. Minor grid will be drawn based on
this entry.

3. Enter the Bold step in X, Y and Z direction in

the Bold Step frame. Major grid will be drawn
based on this entry.

4. Select the level of the grid, i.e. whether the

grid will be displayed on top of all the entities
in the drawing or below all the entities in the
drawing.

5. Press Button next to Color to set the color

of minor grid. Press Button next to Bold Color
to set the color of major grid.

6. Select from drop down list for Type to

specify how the minor grid should be
displayed. Similarly, Select from drop down
list for Bold Type to specify how the major Figure 4-1: Grid Settings
grid should be displayed. You can display a grid as point, line or a dotted line.

7. Select Snap to grid Nodes if you want your drawing cursor to select the coordinate of grid points
automatically. You can toggle between the Snap to Grid Nodes by pressing F9

8. Select Show Grid to display grid in drawing. You can toggle between Show Grid by pressing F7

9. Press Ok to save the settings and close the window.

ICS 4-1
 AUTOPLOTTER 4.0 Drawing with Precision

4.2 Object Snap

Object snaps constrain point specification to exact locations, such as a midpoint or an intersection, on
existing objects. Using object snaps is a quick way to locate an exact position on an object without having
to know the coordinate or draw construction lines. For example, you can use an object snap to draw a line
to the center of a circle or to the midpoint of a polyline segment. You can specify an object snap whenever
AutoPlotter prompts for a point.

If AutoSnap is turned on, AutoPlotter displays a marker whenever you move the target box over a snap
point. This feature provides a visual clue that indicates which object snaps are in effect. The marker, or
connection icon shown is unique for any given snap mode.

There are a variety of ways to turn on object snaps. If you choose an individual object snap on the toolbar,
the snap stays in effect only for the next point you specify. You also can set running object snaps, that is,
one or more object snaps that remain in effect as you work. Choose None to turn off both single and
running object snaps.

Most of the object snaps that are described here affect only objects visible on the screen, including
objects on locked layers. You cannot snap to objects that are not visible, such as objects not displayed,
objects on turned-off layers, or the blank portions of dashed lines.

Object snap modes available in AutoPlotter is discussed below.

4.2.1 Endpoint
Using Endpoint snap mode causes the cursor to snap to the closest endpoint of nearby objects such as
lines or arcs. An "endpoint" for the purpose of this explanation is any point on any entity where a discreet
coordinate set is established. Within the scope of this definition are all vertices of polylines and polygons.
The center-point of a circle or an ellipse are not included in this definition. The endpoint snap mode
connection icon is a rectangle figure.

Figure 4-2: End Point Object Snap

4.2.2 Midpoint
The midpoint snap mode permits the user to snap to the midpoint of objects such as lines or arcs. For
polylines, the midpoint is determined to be the middle of each linear or arc segment. In the first panel of
the illustration below, we see a vector labeled as "snap point". This will be the final location of any snap
occurring while midpoint snap mode is active. The second panel of the illustration highlights the locations
of all possible midpoint snap locations in the portrayed figures. The midpoint snap mode connection icon
is a triangle figure.

Figure 4-3: Mid Point Object Snap

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 AUTOPLOTTER 4.0 Drawing with Precision

4.2.3 Center
Center snap mode causes the cursor to snap to the center of an arc, circle, or ellipse. When you snap to
the center, the entity being drawn as the snap client needs to originate on a visible part of the arc, circle, or
ellipse. Once you move the cursor's snap reticle over any part of the arc object, its center, or centroid will
become visibly highlighted as the anchor point for the snap operation. The center snap mode connection
icon is a circle.

Figure 4-4: Center Object Snap

4.2.4 Node
Node snap mode permits the user to snap one entity to the insertion point of a Point object. To some
lesser degree, node snapping also works using the insertion point of other entities as well, however, those
entities must be in a selected state prior to running your vector toward their insertion points. In the
selected state, for example, you will see the insertion grip of a circle, and in the selected state, that grip
will cause the pick box to linger at its location while the "node" snapping mode is active. The node snap
mode connection icon is a circle and X figure.

Figure 4-5: Node point Snap

4.2.5 Intersection
The intersection snap mode permits the user to snap to the intersection of objects such as lines,
circles, arcs, and splines. This snap mode also works for objects that are part of a block (a group of objects
treated as a single object). The intersection snap mode connection icon is an X figure.

Figure 4-6: Intersection Snap

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 AUTOPLOTTER 4.0 Drawing with Precision

4.2.6 Perpendicular Snap

Perpendicular snaps to the point on an object that forms a right angled, or perpendicular alignment,
with another object or with an imaginary extension of that object. You can use the Perpendicular object
snap with arcs, circles, lines, and, polylines.

In the illustration below we see a vector approaching a diagonal line running from the lower left to the
upper right. If perpendicular snapping is active, the actual vector will snap into position as illustrated in
the second panel. The perpendicular snap mode connection icon is the mathematical right angle symbol.

Figure 4-7: Perpendicular point snap

4.2.7 Tangent Snap
Tangent snap mode permits the user to snap to the point on an arc or circle that forms a tangent to
another object. In the first two panels of the illustration below, we see a vector approaching the
circumference of a circle, however, if tangent snapping is active, the line segment will be dropped at the
position illustrated in the second panel. The tangent snap mode connection icon is a short line with a circle

Figure 4-8: Tangent point snap

4.2.8 Nearest Snap
Nearest snap mode permits the user to snap to a point object or snap to the location on another type of
object that is closest to the selection point as defined by the boundary of the PICK BOX (selection
rectangle). The pick box is the small square that is found at the center of the cursor inside the drawing
window. When using "nearest" snap mode, you will notice the pick box becomes a little larger than usual.
When using "nearest" snap mode, the point of connection established between the two entities will ensure
that the X or Y coordinate (if not both) is precisely the same between the two entities. The near snap mode
connection icon is similar to an hourglass figure.

4.2.9 Grip Snap

Grip snapping mode permits the user snap to the specific points on objects called "Grips". "Grips" are used
to edit objects and are evident when the object is in the selected state. Different entity types have
different arrays of grips. In most instances, grips constitute nodes and visa versa. Grip snapping lets you
use these points for drafting, without selecting the objects.

AutoPlotter uses the following points as grip snaps per specific object type:
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 AUTOPLOTTER 4.0 Drawing with Precision

Line - start, center, end

Polyline - vertices

Arc - start, middle, end

Circle - 4 quadrant points

Block - insertion point

Text - insertion point

The grip snap mode connection icon is a diamond figure.

4.2.10 Object Snap Settings

When you specify an object snap, the cursor changes to an object snap target box. When you select an
object, AutoPlotter snaps to the eligible snap point closest to the center of the target box, or aperture.

If you need to use the same object snap

repeatedly, you can set it as a running object
snap from the Object Snap settings ,
which means it stays on until you turn it off.
For example, you might set End Point as a
running object snap if you need to connect
the end point of a number of lines. As with
single object snaps, the aperture, or target
box, indicates that an object snap is on and
identifies the selection area. You can
change the size of the target box.

When you turn on multiple running object

snaps, AutoPlotter uses the object snap
most appropriate to the object you select. If
two potential snap points fall within the
selection area, AutoPlotter snaps to the
eligible point closest to the center of the
Figure 4-9: Object Snap settings Dialogue
target box.
4.3 Polar Tracking
When you are creating or modifying objects, you can use Polar Tracking to display temporary alignment
paths defined by the polar angles you specify. You can use Polar Snap to snap to specified distances along
the alignment path. For example, in the following illustration you draw a two-unit line from point 1 to point
2, and then draw a two-unit line to point 3 at a 45-degree angle to the line. If you turn on the 45-degree
polar angle increment, AutoPlotter displays an alignment path and tooltip when your cursor crosses the 0
or 45-degree angles. The alignment path and tooltip disappear when you move the cursor away from the
angle.

Figure 4-10
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 AUTOPLOTTER 4.0 Drawing with Precision

As you move your cursor, alignment paths and tooltips are displayed when you move the cursor near polar
angles. The default angle measurement is 90 degrees. Use the alignment path and tooltip to draw your
object. You can use Polar Tracking with Intersection object snaps to find where a polar alignment path
intersects another object.

Polar Angle and Distance

You can use Polar Tracking to track along polar angle increments of 90, 60, 45, 30, 22.5, 18, 15, 10, and 5
degrees, or you can specify other angles. The following illustration shows the alignment paths displayed
as you move your cursor 90 degrees with the polar angle increment set to 30 degrees.

Figure 4-11
Polar snap restricts cursor movement to increments of a polar distance you specify. For example, if you
specify a length of 4 units, the cursor snaps from the first point specified to lengths of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and so
on. As you move your cursor, a tooltip indicates the nearest polar snap increment.

Setting Polar tracking

1. To set polar tracking options, choose

Tools Z Polar Tracking. A window will be
displayed as shown in figure 4-12

2. In Polar Angle Settings, you can change

the angular increment by selecting from
the drop down list for Increment angle.

3. If you want any other specific step to be

included in the angle increment, first
checkmark Additional angles and then
press New button and add the new angle to
be added in list.

4. In Polar Angle measurement section,

choose whether the angles should be
measured absolute from origin (3’o clock)
or Relative to the last segment.
Figure 4-12
5. In Polar Distance Step section, choose
Enable Distance Step if you want to track both angle and distance. You can enter the distance step in the
space provided.

6. Press Ok to save and close the Polar tracking settings

7. You can enable/disable Polar tracking using F8 key

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 AUTOPLOTTER 4.0 Drawing with Precision

4.4 Construction Lines

You can create construction lines that extend to infinity in one or both directions. Construction lines that
extend in one direction are known as rays. Construction lines that extend in both directions are known as
xlines. These construction lines can be used as a reference for creating other objects. For example, you
can use construction lines to find the center of a triangle, prepare multiple views of the same item, or
create temporary intersections that you can use for object snaps.

Construction lines do not change the total area of the drawing; therefore, their infinite dimensions have
no effect on zooming or viewpoints. You can move, rotate, and copy construction lines just as you move,
rotate, and copy other objects. You may want to create construction lines on a construction line layer that
can be frozen or turned off before plotting

4.4.1 Creating Construction Lines

A construction xline can be placed anywhere in 3D space and extends to infinity in both directions. You can
specify its orientation in several ways. The default method for creating the line is the two-point method:
you select two points to define the orientation. The first point, the root, is considered the midpoint of the
construction line.

Commands that display the drawing extents ignore construction lines.

Creating a construction line

1. Choose Construction Line from the Draw menu.

Command Line: XLINE

2. Specify Base Point. Here you select/enter the point through which

the construction line should pass.

Figure 4-13 Construction Line
3. Specify through point. Here you specify the point through

which the construction line should pass.

4.4.2 Creating Rays

A ray is a line in 3D space that starts at a point you specify and extends to infinity. Unlike construction
lines, which extend in two directions, rays extend in only one direction. As a result, rays help reduce the
visual clutter caused by numerous construction lines. Like construction lines, rays are ignored by
commands that display the drawing extents.

1. From the Draw menu, choose Ray.

2. Specify a starting point for the ray (1).

3. Specify a point through which the ray should pass (2).

4. Continue to specify points to create additional rays as needed (3, 4).

All subsequent rays pass through the first point specified.

5. Press ENTER to end the command.

Figure 4-14 Rays

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 AUTOPLOTTER 4.0 Drawing with Precision

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 CHAPTER 5
CONTROLLING THE
DRAWING DISPLAY
5.1 INTRODUCTION

5.2 USING ZOOM

5.3 USING PAN

5.4 THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) VIEW

5.6 TOOLBARS

5.7 MAGNIFIER

5.8 NAVIGATOR
 AUTOPLOTTER 5.0 Controlling the drawing display

5.0 Controlling the Drawing Display

5.1 Introduction
AutoPlotter provides many ways to display views of your drawing. As you edit your drawing, you can
control the drawing display to move quickly to different areas of your drawing while you track the overall
effect of your changes. You can zoom to change magnification or pan to reposition the view in the graphics
area; save a view and then restore it when you need to plot or refer to specific details.

This part of the User reference manual will include procedures as well as tips and tricks to navigate or
customizing the drawing output to your requirement.

5.2 Using Zoom

The most common way to change a view is to use one of AutoPlotters’ many zoom options, which increases
or decreases the size of the image displayed in the graphics area.

Magnifying the image to view the details more closely is called zooming in. Shrinking the image to see a
larger portion of the drawing is called zooming out.

Zoom Extents

Zoom Window

Zoom Out
Zoom In
Zoom Realtime
Figure 5-1: Zoom Toolbar

5.2.1 Zoom Realtime

In AutoPlotter ZOOM Realtime provides interactive zooming capability. As you move the pointing device,
the drawing image zooms in or out. To use real-time zooming, either click the Zoom Realtime icon on the
Standard toolbar,(refer fig. 5-1) or select View ZZoom Realtime from the menu bar, or type ZR on the
command line. Pressing ENTER after entering zoom on the command line automatically places you in
Realtime mode. To zoom in click and hold the left mouse button down, and without releasing it drag it
vertically upwards, which is the positive direction. Hold the left mouse button down at the midpoint of the
drawing and move the cursor vertically downwards to zoom out.

Alternatively you can keep the mouse cursor anywhere in the drawing and simply rotate the mouse wheel
toward the front of the mouse to zoom in. To zoom out, pull the top of the wheel backwards. This can used
even when another command is active.

5.2.2 Zoom In
In order to zoom in for better understanding or for precise editing you can directly click on the Zoom In
toolbar (refer fig 5-1). You can even activate the command by selecting ViewZ Zoom In from the menu bar.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 5.0 Controlling the drawing display

5.2.3 Zoom Out

Simply clicking on the Zoom Out toolbar (refer fig 5-1) will allow you to see a larger portion of the drawing.
This command can be activated by selecting ViewZZoom Out from the menu bar.

5.2.4 Zoom Window

You can quickly zoom in on an area by specifying the corners that define it. On entering ZW in the command
bar you will be prompted to select the first corner of the window or one of the limits of the desired area.
After specifying the first point you will be prompted to enter the opposite corner. The region specified by
the corners you select is magnified and centered in the new display. Alternatively you can select
ViewZ Zoom Window from the menu bar or simply click on the Zoom Window (refer fig 5-1) toolbox. The
keyboard shortcut for directly activating Zoom window is by pressing Ctrl+W.

5.2.5 Zoom Extents

If you need to view the complete drawing area in the editor enter ZE in the command bar and press Enter.
ZOOM Extents changes the view to encompass the entity extents for the current drawing. You can even
click on the Zoom Extents toolbox or select View Z Zoom Extents from the menu bar.

5.2.6 Zoom Previous

Zoom previous can be used to restore or roll back to the initial zoomed state. To initiate zoom previous
select View Z Zoom Previous from the menu bar. Otherwise type ZP in the command bar and press Enter.

5.2.7 Zoom to Selected Object

If it is required to view an entity very closely Zoom to Selected Object can be used. First select any entity,
whether a point or line or polyline, and then select View Z Zoom to Selected Object. AutoPlotter will
precisely zoom to the selected entity and display its extents in the editor.

5.3 Using Pan

By using this you can move the drawing display in the viewport or editor. This helps in easy navigation
within the drawing. The cursor changes to a hand cursor. By holding down the left mouse button, you lock
the cursor to its current location relative to the viewport coordinate system. Graphics within the window
are moved in the same direction as the cursor.

5.3.1 Pan Realtime

In order to pan you can select View Z Pan Realtime from the menu bar. Click anywhere in the drawing
holding the left mouse button down drag to the desired location. Another way to activate Pan realtime is by
clicking on the pan realtime tool box in the standard toolbar. Holding the mouse middle button or the
mouse wheel down and dragging along the display is an alternative method for panning.This works even
when another command is active.

5.3.2 Pan Point

When you select View ZPan Point you will be prompted to click on the base point anywhere in the drawing.
The base point signifies the point with respect to which you want to pan the drawing. Next you will be
prompted to specify the displacement. Click on the point to which you want the first point (base point)is to
be moved.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 5.0 Controlling the drawing display

5.4 Three Dimensional (3D) Views

AutoPlotter has the capability to display 3d views also. By default you will be able to see the Plan or the Top
View. 3d view of any drawing can be displayed by selecting the View Z 3D View menu option.

5.4.1 Plan (Top View)

This is the default view that AutoPlotter displays. If you are in any other viewport and you need to display
the Plan or Top view select View Z 3D View Z Plan(Top View)

5.4.2 Bottom View

If you wish to view the drawing from the bottom you have to select View Z 3D View Z Bottom.

5.4.3 View from the Left

In order to view the drawing from the left side i.e. the direction of view is from the negative x direction,
you can select View Z 3D View Z Left from the menu bar.

5.4.4 View from the Right

If you need to view the drawing from the right or the positive x direction then select View Z 3D View Z Right.

5.4.5 View from the Front

To display the drawing with the viewpoint being in the front you can select View Z 3D View Z Front.

5.4.6 View from the Back

In order to view the drawing from the Back i.e. the direction of view is from the negative y direction, you
can select View Z 3D View Z Back from the menu bar.

5.4.6 SW Isometric View

In this 3d view the direction of view is from the South-West or @225 degrees anti-clockwise from East.

5.4.7 SE Isometric View

In this 3d view the direction of view is from the South-East or @ 315 degrees anti-clockwise from East.

5.4.8 NE Isometric View

In this 3d view the direction of view is from the North- East or @ 45 degrees anti-clockwise from East.

5.4.9 NW Isometric View

In this 3d view the direction of view is from the North- West or @ 135 degrees anti-clockwise from East.

5.4.10 Viewpoint Presets

The 3d view of a drawing depends on the viewpoint and the direction of view. The horizontal and vertical
angles can be set by selecting View Z3D View Z Viewpoint Presets. The window which opens shows the
default values of the horizontal as well as Vertical angles for the various 3d views namely SW- Isometric,
SE-Isometric, NE-Isometric, NW-Isometric,Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Back and Front . If you want to
change the presets select View Z 3D View Z Viewpoint Presets.

For a particular view for example South - West Isometric, the default values of Horizontal and Vertical
angles are 225 degrees and 35 degrees respectively. If the value of the vertical angle is changed to 25

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 AUTOPLOTTER 5.0 Controlling the drawing display

degrees (ref. fig 5-2) the SW Isometric changes to a somewhat flatter

view. You can click Apply to keep the changed setting for further use.

5.5 Only Current Layer

In order to utilize this option to the fullest it is desirable to learn ‘Working
with Layers’.Please refer the portion of the manual dealing with layers.
Once you have made a particular layer the current layer you can view
only your current layer in the AutoPlotter display. Choose Only Current
View from the View menu to activate/deactivate this option.

Figure 5-2: Viewpoint Presets

5.6 Toolbars
The most easy and fastest method to activate commands is clicking on the toolbars. To display or hide a
particular toolbar, choose the name of the toolbar from the View Z Toolbar.

5.6.1 Standard Toolbar

The figure below shows the Standard toolbar. It contains the most basic buttons required for controlling
the project as well as drawing display.

Properties
Open Print Copy Undo Pan
Zoom In
Cut Paste Redo Zoom Extents
New Save Zoom Out
Print Preview
Find and Replace Zoom Realtime Zoom Window
Figure 5-3: Standard Toolbar
5.6.2 Modify
The figure below shows the Modify
toolbar. It contains the buttons
required for modifying the objects
in the drawing display. If it does
not automatically appear in
AutoPlotter, you could have to Copy Move Scale Extend Explode

select View Z Toolbar Z Modify. Erase Mirror Rotate Trim Join Edit Text

Figure 5-4: Modify Toolbar

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 AUTOPLOTTER 5.0 Controlling the drawing display

5.6.3 Enquiry
The figure below shows the Enquiry toolbar. It contains
buttons like Point ID, Measure Distance, Area of a Polygon
and Area from an Inner point. The Point ID button helps you
to know the co-ordinates or x, y, z values of a point. You can
just click on any point in the drawing and instantly get the
co- ordinates. The Measure Distance button can be used to
measure the distance between two points and also to know Get point ID Measure Area

the length of a line. It may also help you find the perimeter of Area from Inner Point
Measure Distance
a polygon. The Measure area button helps you find the area
of polygon whereas the Area from Inner point gives you the Figure 5-5: Enquiry Toolbar

area of a closed object when you click on any point inside it.

5.6.4 Object Properties

The figure below shows the Object Properties toolbar. It contains buttons like Layers, Layer Control, Color
Control, Load Linestyle, Linetype Control, Configure Lineweight, Lineweight controls and Library
controls. The Layer Control list can be used to change the current layer quickly. Use the pull down button to
view the complete list of layers in the drawing and then just click on any layer to make it the current layer. If
you want to move some objects from one layer to another you have to first select the objects then click on
the Layer Control List and select the layer to which you want the objects to be moved.

Lineweight controls
Load Linestyle Configure Lineweight
Layer Control
Layer Color Control Linetype Control Library controls.

Figure 5-6: Object Properties Toolbar

5.6.5 Object Snap Toolbar
Figure 5-7 shows the Object Snap toolbar. It contains buttons like Snap to end point, Snap to mid point,
snap to intersection and so on. It is useful when a command is active and a particular snap mode needs to
be used, as the commands are transparent in nature.

5.6.6 Draw Toolbar

Figure 5-8 shows the Draw toolbar. It contains buttons for drawing point, line, circle, ellipse etc. It's a
quick tool from drawing entities in the drawing.

5.6.7 Draw Toolbar

Figure 5-9 shows the Dimension toolbar. It contains buttons for adding dimensions to the drawing.
Dimensions can be added as linear, aligned, angular, ordinate etc.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 5.0 Controlling the drawing display

Snap to End Point Draw Point Linear Dimension

Snap to Mid Point Draw Line Aligned Dimension

Snap to Intersection Draw Polyline

Ordinate Dimension
Snap to Centre Draw Rectangle
Angular Dimension
Snap to Tangent Draw Circle
Radial Dimension
Snap to Perpendicular Draw Arc
Diameter Dimension
Snap to Nearest Draw Ellipse
Leader
Snap to Node Draw Multiline

Draw Spline Center mark

Snap to None
Draw Polygon
Snap Settings
Insert Block

Create Block

Hatch

Draw Text

Figure 5-7: Snap Toolbar Figure 5-8: Draw Toolbar Figure 5-9: Dimension Toolbar

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 AUTOPLOTTER 5.0 Controlling the drawing display

5.7 Magnifier
Magnifier is a window which can be placed in any corner of AutoPlotter’s drawing screen. Magnifier shows
enlarged part of a drawing near cursor, and when user moves a cursor over a drawing the picture in the
Magnifier are also changed real-time. This tool are very convenient when you want to see a small details of
a drawing, without "Zoom In" operation.

In AutoPlotter you can show/hide a Magnifier by choosing Magnifier from View menu or from default
popup menu. The Magnifier's parameters can be set in the Options dialog.

Figure 5-10: Magnifier & Navigator

5.8 Navigator
"Navigator" or "Aerial view" tool is a window that shows active drawing at its extents and shows rectangle
that indicated part that visible in main window. User can move this rectangle in navigator window in order
to change visible part of the drawing in main window,

Navigator is displayed as a floating window on top of drawing screen. You can start Navigator by choosing
Navigator from the View menu. You can change the properties of the navigator from Options dialogue.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 5.0 Controlling the drawing display

5-8 ICS
 CHAPTER 6
Editing methods
6.1 INTRODUCTION

6.2 selecting objects

6.3 editing objects

6.4 copying objects

6.5 moving objects

6.6 rotating objects

6.7 erasing objects

6.8 resizing objects

6.9 inserting breaks in lines

6.10 exploding objects

6.11 join

6.12 editing polylines

6.13 editing with properties tab

 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

6.0 Editing Methods

6.1 Introduction
AutoPlotter offers two approaches to editing: you can issue a command first and then select the objects
to edit, or you can select the objects first and then edit them. This chapter describes how to select and edit
objects.

6.2 Selecting Objects

Before you can edit objects, you need to create a selection set of the objects. A selection set can consist of
a single object, or it can be a more complex grouping: for example, the set of objects of a certain color on a
certain layer. You can create the selection set either before or after you choose the editing command. The
objects selected will automatically be highlighted and its color will change to red(default). You can make
several changes to the same selection set. Use one of the following methods to create selection sets. First
Choose an editing command then select the objects and press ENTER. After that you can use the menu
option Tools->Selection to select the desired objects.

Figure 6-1: Cross Hair

6.2.1 Choosing the Command First
When you choose an editing command, AutoPlotter prompts you to select objects and replaces the
crosshair with a selection crosshair. You select individual objects with the mouse or by using the methods
described in this section. You can respond to the Select Objects prompt in various ways. You can select the
most recently created object, the previous selection set, or all objects in the drawing. You can add objects
to and remove objects from a selection set. You can also use more than one selection method to make a
selection. For example, to select most of the objects in the graphics area, select all objects and then
remove the objects you don't want to be selected.

Using Selection Windows

You can select objects by enclosing them in a selection window. A selection window is a rectangular area
that you define in the graphics area by specifying two corner points at the Select Objects prompt. The

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

order in which you specify the points makes a difference. Dragging from left to right (window selection)
selects only objects entirely within the selection area. Dragging from right to left (crossing selection)
selects objects within and crossing the selection area. Objects must be at least partially visible to be
selected. To activate this option select Tools->Selection->By Rectangle.

In the following example, you use a window polygon to select all the objects entirely within an irregularly
shaped area.

Figure 6-2: Selection by Polygon Figure 6-3: Selection by Polyline

Using the selection by Polygon

To select objects within an irregularly shaped area, enclose them in a polygon selection window. Create
the window by specifying points to enclose the area. A window polygon selects only objects it encloses
entirely. In the above figure (figure 6-2) there is a set of plots, some trees and some Poles. If you select
Tools->Selection->By Polygon and you will be prompted to draw a polygon in the drawing. As shown in the
figure (figure 6-2) a polygon is made to cross some plots and enclose some trees and Poles in it. The order
of the vertices of the polygon are represented by the numbers 1,2,3..8. It is noteworthy that only the
objects that are inside the polygon in their entirety has been selected(shown in red color).

Using the selection by Polyline

If the same polygon used earlier is traced out using the option Tools->Selection->By Polyline it will be
seen(refer figure 6-3) that all the objects it crosses are selected.

Using the selection by Point

On selection of the option Tools->Selection->By Point the crosshair changes to selection crosshair (refer
figure 6-1).Just click on the objects you want to select one by one.

Using the selection by Distance

In order to select all the objects inside a circle you can use the option Tools->Selection->By Distance. On
activation you will have to click o any point in the drawing and specify the radius of the circle inside which
you want all the objects to be selected. The objects which are inside the circle in their entirety are only
selected.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

Figure 6-4: Examples of grip locations

6.2.2 Adding and Removing Objects from a Selection Set

After you create a selection set, you can choose to remove individual objects from that set. For example,
you can select an entire group of densely grouped objects and then remove specific objects within the
group, leaving only the objects you want to be in the set. You can choose to remove objects only while
object selection is already in progress or when objects in a selection set are highlighted and have grips. To
remove some of the objects you have selected accidentally just press shift and click on the object to
remove it from the selection set.To continue adding to your selection set select as you would select
normally.

6.2.3 Selecting Objects First

There are several ways you can select objects before you choose a method of editing them as you have
seen in the earlier section. You can also select objects with the mouse so that they are marked with grips.
Grips mark control locations on a selected object, as shown in the figure 6-4. A selected group doesn't
have a location that can be associated with it like the insertion point of a block. When you select a group,
each member of the group is marked with its own grips.

With grips you can use the mouse to combine command and object selection and therefore edit more
quickly. When grips are turned on, you select the objects you want before editing. With the grips, you can
manipulate the objects with the graphics cursor or keywords. By using grips, you can reduce your use of
menus.

Lineweight controls
Load Linestyle Configure Lineweight
Layer Control
Layer Color Control Linetype Control Library controls.

Figure 6-5: Object Properties Toolbar

ICS 6-3
 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

The graphics cursor snaps to any grip over which it is moved. Objects removed from a grip selection set are
no longer highlighted, but their grips remain active. Remove grips from the selection set by pressing ESC.
To remove a specific object from the gripped selection set, hold down the SHIFT key as you select the
object.

6.2.4 Editing with Grips

To use grips for editing, select a grip to act as the base point. This selected grip is known as the base grip.
Then select one of the Grip modes: Stretch, Move, Rotate or Scale. To exit Grip modes at any point and
return to the Command prompt, enter x (Exit) or press ESC.

Line: When you select a line three grips will appear. The grip that appears at the center of the line can be
used to move the line. The graphics cursor snaps to any grip over which it is moved. Click on the middle grip
and then place the line on any location in the graphics area. The other two grip helps in moving the Start
and the End position of the line depending upon which grip is selected.

Polyline: On selecting a polyline with a single segment you will be able to see two grips. The two grip
helps in moving the Start and the End position of the line depending upon which grip is selected.

Circle: If you select a circle five grips will appear. The grip at the center can be used to move the circle to a
new location. The other four grips at the circumference of the circle may be used for scaling the circle.

Spline: On selecting a spline with a single segment you will be able to see five grips. Three grips are the fit
points and the other two are the start and end tangents. By changing the first and last grips you can change
the start and end tangent angles. The other three grip helps in moving the Start, Center and the End
position of the spline fit points depending upon which grip is selected.

Block: On selecting a block there will be five grips visible. The grip at the bottom left represents the
insertion point. Moving this grip will move the block. The grip on the top left is the grip for scaling the block
in the y direction. The grip on bottom second from the left is for scaling the block in the x direction. Directly
above it is the grip for scaling the block. The grip on the right hand side is for rotating the block.

6.3 Editing Objects Using the Object Properties Toolbar

You can use the controls on the Object Properties toolbar to quickly view or change an object's layer, color,
and linetype. The layer, color, and linetype controls on the Object Properties toolbar consolidate the
commands needed to view and edit an object's properties. Selecting any object when no command is
active, dynamically displays its layer, color, and linetype in the controls on the toolbar.

The figure below shows the Object Properties toolbar. It contains buttons like Layers, Layer Control, Color
Control, Load Linestyle, Linetype Control, Configure Lineweight, Lineweight controls and Library
controls. The Layer Control list can be used to change the current layer quickly. Use the pull down button
toview the complete list of layers in the drawing and then just click on any layer to make it the current
layer. If you want to move some objects from one layer to another you have to first select the objects then
click on the Layer Control List and select the layer to which you want the objects to be moved. You can
assign layer, color, and linetype properties to the individual components of complex objects such as
blocks, xrefs, mtext, mlines, and raster images; however, when these properties are overriden, they
cannot be viewed or edited by the layer, color, and linetype controls. For complex objects, the Layer, Color,
and Linetype controls show the default properties assigned to the object in its entirety and not its
individual parts.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

6.3.1 Editing Layers

With the Layer control, you can make a layer current, view the layer of a selected object, and change an
object's layer. You can also change a layer's properties by clicking on the icons in the Layer control. You
can make an object's layer the current layer by choosing Make Object's Layer Current. The figure below
shows the layer control pull down list.

Figure 6-6: Layer Control

Figure 6-7: Color Control

You can use the Layer control to transfer objects to be locked, frozen, or turned off layers, but you cannot
transfer an object to an xref-dependent layer. Xref-dependent layers appear grayed out in the list
because they cannot be made current and you cannot edit objects on those layers. You can, however, still
modify the properties on xref-dependent layers with the icons in the Layer control.

To make a layer current

On the Object Properties toolbar, click the Layer control. Select the layer you want to make current. To
quickly scroll to the desired layer, enter the first letter of the name. Note that because frozen and xref-
dependent layers cannot be made current, their names are grayed out in the Layer control.

To make an object's layer current

Select the object whose layer you want to make current. The layer of the object will be displayed in the
Layer control window in the Object Properties toolbar. Now pull down the Layer List and select the layer
previously displayed.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

To change an object's layer

Select the objects whose layers you want to change. On the Object Properties toolbar, select a layer in the
Layer control. If one object is selected and no command is active, the Layer control displays the layer
assigned to that object. If you've selected multiple objects on a variety of layers, the control is blank.
Selecting a layer from the list changes all selected objects to that layer.

6.3.2 Editing Colors

With the Color control, you can make a color current, view the color of a selected object, and change an
object's color. The Color control displays seven standard colors and the four most recently used colors. If
the desired color is not present in the list, select the Other option and choose the desired color from the
Select Color dialog box.

To make a color current

On the Object Properties toolbar, choose the Color control. Select a color from the list. To quickly scroll to
the desired color, enter the first letter of the name, or choose Other to select a color from the Select Color
dialog box.

If you choose BY LAYER, new objects assume the color of the layer upon which they are drawn. If you
choose BY BLOCK, new objects are drawn in the default color (white or black depending on your
configuration) until they are grouped into a block. The objects in the block inherit the current color
property.

Note that if you insert a block on a layer whose color is set to the BY LAYER option, the block does not
assume the layer's color if you have previously assigned a color to the block.

If one object is selected and no command is active, the Color control list box displays the color assigned to
that object. If you select multiple objects with a variety of colors, the display window of the Color control is
blank.

Figure 6-8: To make a linetype current

To change an object's color

Select the objects whose colors you want to change. Then In the
Color control on the Object Properties toolbar, select a color.

Selecting a color from the list changes all selected objects to that
color. Note that when you select multiple objects from different
layers, and the colors of the selected objects are set to the BY
LAYER option, BY LAYER is displayed in the Color control without
a color swatch if the color assigned to each layer varies. Figure 6-9: To change an object's linetype

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

6.3.3 Editing Linetypes

With the Linetype control, you can make a linetype current, view the linetype of a selected object, and
change an object's linetype.

To make a linetype current

From the Object Properties toolbar, choose the Linetype control. Select the linetype you want to make
current. To quickly scroll to the desired linetype, enter the first letter of the name.

If you choose BYLAYER, new objects assume the linetype of the layer upon which they are drawn. If you
choose BYBLOCK, new objects are drawn using the continuous linetype until they are grouped into a block.
The objects in the block inherit the current linetype property.

To change an object's linetype

Select the objects whose linetypes you want to change. From the Linetype control list box on the Object
Properties toolbar, select a linetype. f one object is selected and no command is active, the Linetype
control list box displays the linetype assigned to that object. If you select multiple objects with a variety of
linetypes, the display window of the Linetype control is blank. Selecting a linetype from the list changes all
selected objects to that linetype. When you select multiple objects from different layers and the linetypes
of the selected objects are set to the BYLAYER option, BYLAYER is displayed in the Linetype control. An
example linetype is not displayed if the linetype that is assigned to each layer varies.

6.4 Copying Objects

You can copy single or multiple objects within the current drawing, and you can copy between drawings or
applications. Offsetting creates new objects at a specified distance from selected objects, or through a
specified point. Mirroring creates a mirror image of objects in a specified mirror line. Arraying creates
sets of copies in a rectangular or circular pattern.

From the Edit menu, choose Copy or, from the Modify toolbar, choose .Select the objects to copy and
press ENTER. Specify the base point. Specify the second point of displacement where you want your
copied objects to be pasted. Specify the next point of displacement. Continue inserting copies, or press
ENTER to end the command.

6.4.1 Mirroring Objects

You mirror objects around a mirror line, which you define with two points, as shown in the illustration.
Mirroring works in any plane parallel to the XY plane of the current UCS. To activate Mirror command you
can select Edit->Mirror or type Mirror in the command bar and press Enter. You will be prompted to select
the objects you want to mirror. Select the objects from the drawing and press Enter. Then select the first
point of the mirror line and then the second. On selecting the second point of the mirror line AutoPlotter
will mirror the selected objects.

By default AutoPlotter will delete the objects which you selected for mirroring. If you want AutoPlotter to
retain those objects you have to keep the Shift key pressed when you select the second point of the mirror
line.

Figures 6-10 and 6-11 graphically explains the method of mirroring objects. In the first figure(Ref. fig.6-
10) selecting the two objects is shown using the rectangular selection option. The next figure (Ref. fig.6-
11) shows the first point of mirror and the second point of mirror marked by the numbers 1 and 2. Please
note here that the Ortho option is kept on so that the line made by the points of mirror is vertical.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

Figure 6-10: Selecting the objects to be Mirrored Figure 6-11: Original Object Retained

6.5 Moving Objects

When you move objects, you can rotate or align them or move them without changing orientation or size.
Use snap, coordinates, grips, and object snap modes to move objects with precision.

From the Edit menu, choose Move or, from the Modify toolbar, choose .

Select the object to move Specify the base point for the move. Specify the second point of displacement or
the point to which you want the object to be moved.

You can even type MOVE in the command bar and press Enter to activate the move command.

6.6 Rotating Objects

You rotate objects by choosing a base point and a relative or absolute rotation angle. Specify a relative
angle to rotate the object from its current orientation around the base point by that angle. Whether the
objects are rotated counterclockwise or clockwise depends on the Direction Control setting in the Units
Control dialog box. Specify absolute angles to rotate objects from the current angle to a new absolute
angle.

From the Edit menu, choose Rotate or, from the Modify toolbar, choose

You can even activate the rotate command by typing ROTATE or RO in the command bar and press Enter.
Select the object to rotate and then select the base point for the rotation. Specify the angle of rotation.

6.6.1 Rotating by Grips

Select the object so that it is marked with grips. Select the base grip marked R in the figure so it is
highlighted(refer fig.6-12) .

Drag to rotate the object and click or enter an angle to place the object in the new position. Refer figure 6-
13 to get a better understanding of rotation by grips. This method of rotating an object is not exact, that is
you cannot enter any specific angle to which you would like to rotate the selected object.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

Figure 6-12: Grip used in Rotation Figure 6-13: Object being Rotated

6.7 Erasing Objects

You can erase objects using all the available selection methods. In the following example, you use a
window selection box to erase a section of piping. Only objects enclosed by the window are erased.

From the Edit menu, choose Erase or, from the Modify toolbar, choose

You can activate the Erase command by typing ERASE or E in the command band and press Enter. Using a
window selection box, select the objects to erase. Or press the Delete key after selecting the objects.

6.8 Resizing Objects

You can resize objects by stretching, scaling, extending, lengthening, and trimming them.

6.8.1 Scaling Objects

You scale selection sets using the same scaling factor in the X and Y directions. Thus, you can make an
object larger or smaller, but you cannot alter its aspect ratio. You can scale it by specifying a base point and
a length, which is used as a scale factor based on the current drawing units, or by entering a scale factor
directly. You can also specify the current length and a new length for the object.

To scale an object you have to select the Scale option inn the Edit menu. Alternatively you can type SCALE
or SC at the command prompt and press Enter. Or from the Modify Toolbar, click

Scaling by a Scale Factor

Scaling by a scale factor changes all dimensions of the selected object. A scale factor greater than 1
enlarges the object. A scale factor less than 1 shrinks the object. In the following example, you decrease
the size of the block by half, scaling it by a factor of 0.5.

When the Scale command is active select the object you would like to scale then specify the base point.
Enter .5 (the scale factor).This will shrink the object to half of its original size.

Scaling with Grips

You can use the Scale grip mode to scale objects. For example, you can increase the size of a circle by

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

dragging outward from the base grip or decrease the size by dragging inward. Alternatively, you could
enter a value for relative scaling. In the following example, the outlet symbol, which is defined as a block,
is scaled down.

6.8.2 Extending Objects

You can extend objects so that they end precisely at a boundary defined by other objects. You can also
extend objects to where they would intersect a boundary. This is called extending to an implied boundary.

From the Edit menu, choose Extend or, from the Modify toolbar, choose

Select the object for the boundary and then right click. At the select prompt select the objects to extend
and press ENTER.

6.8.3 Changing the Length of Objects

You can change the angle of arcs, and you can change the length of open lines, arcs, open polylines,
elliptical arcs, and open splines. The results are similar to both extending and trimming. The grips which
appear on selecting an object are used to lengthen them.

6.8.4 Trimming Objects

You can cut an object precisely at an edge defined by one or more objects. Objects you define as cutting
edges do not have to intersect the object being trimmed; you can trim back to an implied intersection.
Cutting edges can be lines, arcs, circles, open polylines, ellipses, splines.

From the Edit menu, choose Trim or, from the Modify toolbar, choose .

Select the cutting edge and press ENTER or right click. Then select the objects you want to trim one by one.
This will trim the objects at the cutting edges. The trim command can be activated by typing TRIM or TR in
the command bar and pressing Enter.

6.9 Inserting Breaks in Objects

You can remove part of an object with the BREAK command. You can break lines, circles, arcs, polylines,
ellipses, splines. To activate the break command you have to type BREAK or BR in the command bar and
press Enter. On the select prompt you have to select the object you want to break. Then select the point at
which you want to break the object.

6.10 Exploding Objects

Exploding objects converts them from single objects to their constituent parts but has no visible effect.
For example, exploding forms simple lines and arcs from polylines, rectangles, and polygons. It replaces
a block reference or associative dimension with copies of the simple objects that compose the block or
dimension. Groups explode into their member objects or into other groups.

An exploded object doesn't look any different, but the colors and linetypes of objects can change as a
result of floating colors, layers, or linetypes. When you explode a polyline, AutoPlotter discards the
associated width information. The resulting lines and arcs follow the polyline's centerline. If you explode
a block that contains a polyline, you need to explode the polyline separately. However, a non-uniformly
scaled block can be exploded during an insert.Blocks inserted with unequal X, Y, and Z scale factors may
explode into unexpected objects. If you explode a block with attributes, the attributes are deleted, but
the attribute definitions from which they were created remain.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

To explode any object you can type either EXPLODE or X in the command bar and press Enter. Select the
objects to be exploded. To activate the explode choose Explode from the Edit menu. Or from the Modify
toolbar, choose

6.11 Join

F rom the Modify toolbar you can click

To activate this command you can type JOIN in the command bar or select the Join option in the Edit menu.

To join two lines or polylines activate the Join command, then select the two objects and press Enter. The
two objects will be joined.

If you are joining two lines then the endpoint of the first line will be connected with the start point of the
second line.

6.12 Editing Polylines

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional polylines can be edited using the Polyline Edit function. You can
edit polylines by closing and opening them and by moving, adding, or deleting individual vertices. You can
straighten the polyline between any two vertices and toggle the linetype so that a dash appears before
and after each vertex. You can set a uniform width for the entire polyline or control the width of each
segment.

For editing polylines you have to type PLINEEDIT or PE in the command bar and press Enter.

Figure 6-14: Editing Polylines

On selecting the polyline to be edited a window as show above will appear. When an entry is selected for
editing the point is highlighted in the display with a circle. As shown above Point Number 2 is selected inn
the Edit Polyline window and the same point is marked in the drawing display. There are many editing
options which you can utilize. You can change the values of x, y and z of any point you wish. If you want to
add any point to the polyline you can do it with the help of the Insert option. When you click on the Insert
button you will be prompted to select the location of the new point in the drawing. That specified point will
be inserted after the point which is currently highlighted in the Edit Polyline window.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 6.0 Editing Methods

If you wish, you can delete any point in the polyline by pressing the Delete button. You can even change the
order of points in the polyline by using the Move Up and Move Down button.

6.13 Editing with Properties Tab

In the figure below two states of the properties tab is shown, one when no object is selected(refer fig.6-
13a) and the other when an object is selected(refer fig.6-13b).

If it does not appear by default, it can be activated by clicking on

Figure 6-15(a) & (b): Properties Tab

When an object is selected the properties tab shows properties like object type, the co-
ordinates,color,layer, etc. The properties tab can be effectively used for editing the object properties.
Supposedly, if a polyline is selected, (refer fig. 6-13b) the properties tab will display all the co-ordinates
vertex-wise. You can scroll the vertex list and see the co-ordinates one by one. You can even edit the co-
ordinates, Layer to which it belongs, lineweight, linetype, color, etc.

To edit the properties of an object first select the object. Then click on the box next to the property name in
the Properties tab.

The changes done in the Properties Tab will reflect immediately in the drawing display.

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 CHAPTER 7
MANAGING PROJECTS
7.1 USING LAYERS

7.2 WORKING WITH COLORS

7.3 WORKING WITH LINETYPES

7.4 ASSIGNING LAYERS, COLORS AND LINETYPES

 AUTOPLOTTER 7.0 Managing Projects

7.0 Managing Projects

This portion of the User Manual will deal with the creation and usage and managing of Layers, colors,
linestyles, hatchstyles, etc. Mastering these techniques will go a long way in saving time and energy
required for your project.

7.1 Using layers

Layers are like transparent overlays on which you organize and group different kinds of drawing
information. The objects you create have properties including layers, colors, and linetypes. Color helps
you distinguish similar elements in your drawings, and linetypes help you differentiate easily between
different drafting elements, such as centerlines or hidden lines. Organizing layers and objects on layers
makes it easier to manage the information in your drawings.

7.1.1 Working with Layers

You are always drawing on a layer. It may be the default layer or a layer you create and name yourself. Each
layer has an associated color and line type. For example, you can create a layer on which you draw only
center lines and assign the color blue and the CENTER linetype to that layer. Then, whenever you want to
draw centerlines you can switch to that layer and start drawing. You don't need to set up your linetype and
color every time you want to draw a centerline. Also, if you don't want to display or plot the centerlines,
you can turn off that layer.

The same drawing limits, coordinate system, and zoom factor apply to all layers in a drawing. If you
consistently use a specific layering scheme, you can set up a template drawing with layers, linetypes, and
colors already assigned.

7.1.2 Creating and Naming Layers

You can create and name a layer for each conceptual grouping (such as points or spot levels) and assign
colors and linetypes to those layers. When organizing your layer scheme, choose layer names carefully.
When you begin a new drawing, AutoPlotter creates a special layer named 0. By default, layer 0 is assigned
the color number 7 (white) and the CONTINUOUS linetype. Layer 0 cannot be deleted. By default Layer 0 is
the current layer.You can create new layers and assign color and linetype properties to those layers.

Each new layer is numbered sequentially, Layer1, Layer2, and so on. You can rename a layer by clicking it
and entering a new name. The default color assigned to the new layer is white, and the default linetype is
CONTINUOUS. You can accept the default settings or specify other colors and linetypes. You can modify
the properties of the new layer as necessary.

To activate the layer command:

Choose Layers from the Config menu or from the object toolbar choose

Command Line: LAYER Command Line Shortcut: LA

A window will appear.(refer fig. 7-1)

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 AUTOPLOTTER 7.0 Managing Projects

Figure 7-1: Layer Window

7.1.3 Making a layer current

You are always drawing on the current layer. When you make a layer current, you can create new objects
on that layer. If you make a different layer current, any new objects you create are created on that new
current layer and use its color and linetype. To make a layer current you have to click on the Current button
in the layer window keeping the layer in question highlighted. Another method to do the same is by
double-clicking on layer name.

7.1.4 Locking and Unlocking Layers

Locking layers is useful when you want to edit objects that are associated with particular layers but also
want to view objects on other layers. You cannot edit the objects on a locked layer; however, they are still
visible if the layer is on and thawed. You can make a locked layer current and you can add objects to it. To
lock a Layer first select the layer and check mark the checkbox named ‘Lock for Editing’ or you can simply
click on the button. For unlocking you can click on the same button and alternatively remove the
check mark.

7.1.5 Assigning Color to a Layer

You can assign color to a layer from the Layer & Linetype Properties dialog box by clicking the Color icon in
the Layer list. Selecting Color provides a list of the seven standard colors, along with the four most
recently used colors and the Other option. You can choose Other to specify a new color in the Select Color
dialog box. Clicking the Color icon displays the Select Color dialog box. When specifying a color, you can

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 AUTOPLOTTER 7.0 Managing Projects

enter the name of the color or its number. Standard color names are available only for colors 1 to 7.

By default, AutoPlotter assigns color number 7 (white) to newly created layers. You can assign an object a
color that is different from the layer color. If you expand the Color column in the Layer & Linetype
Properties dialog box, the color name is displayed for the first seven colors. The remaining colors in the
Color column contain a color number to identify them.

7.1.6 Assigning a Linetype to a Layer

When you're defining layers, linetypes provide another way to convey visual information. A linetype is a
repeating pattern of dashes, dots and blank spaces you can use to distinguish the purpose of one line from
another.

The linetype name and definition describe the particular dash-dot sequence, the relative lengths of
dashes and blank spaces, and the characteristics of any included text or shapes.

In the Layer & Linetype Properties dialog box, select a layer and then click the linetype that is associated
with that layer.You can also choose Details and select a linetype from the Linetype list. In the Select
Linetype dialog box, select a linetype from the list. If the list happens to be empty then follow the steps
mentioned below:-

1. Close the Layer dialog box.

2. Choose Linestyle from the Config menu or the Object Properties toolbar choose

Command line: LINETYPE Command line shortcut: LT

A window (refer fig. 7-2) as shown below appears.

Figure 7-2: Load Linestyle Window

Press the Add from File button. A Open dialog box(refer fig. 7-3) will appear prompting you to select the
linetype pattern file. Select the ‘acad.lin’ file from the default location C:\Program Files\Infycons\AP5.0.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 7.0 Managing Projects

Figure 7-3: Open Linetype Pattern Dialog Box

Then press the Open button. A window(refer fig.7-4) as shown below will open.

Figure 7-4: Load Linestyles from a file window

Press the Select All button and then press Ok button. All the linetypes will be loaded. In the Linetypes
window press the Ok button. Now you will be able to change the linetype of any layer or any line.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 7.0 Managing Projects

7.1.7 Renaming Layers

You may want to rename a layer to better define how it's used in your drawing. You can rename a layer at
any time during a drawing session. You cannot rename layer 0 or an xref-dependent layer. From the Config
menu, choose Layers. Or type LA in the command bar and press Enter. In the Layer & Linetype Properties
dialog box, select a layer to rename and then choose Details and enter a new name in the Name text box.
Then choose OK.

7.1.8 Deleting Layers

You can delete a layer at any time during a drawing session simply by selecting the layer and clicking on the
delete button. You cannot delete the current layer, layer 0, an xref-dependent layer, or a layer that
contains objects.

Note that Layers referenced by block definitions, cannot be deleted even if they do not contain visible
objects.

7.2 Working with Colors

You can assign colors to layers as well as to individual objects in a drawing. Each color is identified by a
name or number, an integer from 1 through 255. Any number of objects and layers can have the same color
number. You can assign each color number to a different pen on a pen plotter or use the color numbers to
identify certain objects in the drawing even though you can't see the colors on your screen.

7.2.1 Specifying Colors

When specifying a color, you can enter the name of the color or its number. The Color Index provides 255
color numbers. Standard color names are available only for colors 1 to 7.

Color Number Color Name

1 Red

2 Yellow

3 Green

4 Cyan

5 Blue

6 Magenta

7 Black/White
Colors 8 to 255 must be assigned by a number or by selecting the color in a dialog box. The default color (7)
is either white or black, depending upon your background color.

7.2.2 Setting the Current Color

You can assign a color to layers or objects that you create. You can define the current color as that of the
current layer, or you can specify a different color.

If you choose BYLAYER, new objects assume the color of the layer upon which they are drawn. If you
choose BYBLOCK, new objects are drawn in the default color until they are grouped into a block. The
objects in the block inherit the current color setting.

You make a color current by choosing Color on the Object Properties toolbar and then selecting a color
from the list or selecting Other to display the Select Color dialog box.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 7.0 Managing Projects

For the detailed process of Setting the Current Color refer Section 6.3.2.

7.3 Working with Linetypes

A linetype is a repeating pattern of dashes, dots, and blank spaces. A complex linetype is a repeating
pattern of symbols. The linetype name and definition describe the particular dash-dot sequence; the
relative lengths of dashes and blank spaces; and the characteristics of any included text or shapes. You
can create your own linetypes.

To use a linetype you must first load it into your drawing. A linetype definition must exist in a LIN library file
before a linetype can be loaded into a drawing.

7.3.1 To load a linetype

In order to load a Linetype select the Linetypes option from Config menu. For a detailed explanation on
this please refer the section 7.1.6.

7.3.2 Making a Linetype Current

To use a linetype to draw on the current layer, you must choose a linetype and make it current. All newly
created objects are drawn using the current linetype.

If you choose BYLAYER, new objects assume the linetype properties of the CURRENT linetype. If you
choose BYBLOCK, new objects are drawn using that linetype until they are grouped into a block. The
objects in the block inherit the current linetype properties.

When the Linetypes window appears select the Linetype you want to make current and click on the Current
button. Here it may be noted that you can also make a linetype current by choosing the Linetype list on the
Object Properties toolbar and then selecting a linetype.

Figure 7-5: Making a Linetype Current

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 AUTOPLOTTER 7.0 Managing Projects

7.3.3 Renaming Linetypes

You may want to rename a linetype to more easily identify how it's used. You can rename a linetype at any
time during the drawing session. When you rename a linetype, you are renaming only the linetype
definition in your drawing. The name in the LIN library file is not being updated to reflect the new name.

In the Linetype window select on the linetype you want to rename and type the new name in the Name text
box in the Details frame and then click current.

7.3.4 Deleting Linetypes

You can delete a linetype at any time during a drawing session; however, linetypes that cannot be deleted
include BYLAYER, BYBLOCK, CONTINUOUS, the current linetype, and xref-dependent linetypes. Also,
linetypes referenced by block definitions cannot be deleted, even if they contain no visible objects.

Note that if a linetype is referenced by a layer while using a dialog box, you cannot delete that linetype
until you close and reenter the Layer & Linetype Properties dialog box.

To delete a Linetype first select the Linetypes option from the config menu and select the linetype you want
to delete from the Linetypes window and click Delete

7.3.5 Changing Linetype Descriptions

Linetypes can have a description associated with them. The description provides an ASCII representation
of the linetype. You can assign or change a linetype description in the Layer & Linetype Properties dialog
box.

In the Linetype window enter a new description in the text box next to Description. Then select OK.

7.3.6 Specifying Linetype Scale

You can specify the linetype scale for objects you create. The smaller the scale, the more repetitions of the
pattern are generated per drawing unit. By default, AutoPlotter uses a global linetype scale of 1.0, which
is equal to one drawing unit.

In the Linetype window, there will be a Details frame where the text box next to scale can be used to set the
scale of the linetype. Specify the new scale and click OK.

7.4 Assigning Layers, Colors, and Linetypes

Once you've defined layers, colors, and linetypes, you can assign them to objects in your drawing. You can
group associated components of a drawing by assigning objects to layers. You can control layer visibility,
color, and linetype and specify whether objects on a layer can be edited. You can move objects from one
layer to another and change the name of a layer.

The number of layers in a drawing and the number of objects per layer are virtually unlimited. You can
assign a name to each layer and select any combination of layers for display.

Blocks can be defined from objects that were originally drawn on different layers with different colors and
linetypes. You can preserve the layer, color, and linetype information of objects in a block. Then, each time
you insert the block, you have each object drawn on its original layer with its original color and linetype For
information about using the Object Properties toolbar to assign properties to objects, see section 6.3
"Editing Objects Using the Object Properties Toolbar.”

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7-8 ICS
 CHAPTER 8
DIMENSIONING AND TEXT
8.1 INTRODUCTION

8.2 DIMENSIONING CONCEPTS

8.3 CREATING DIMENSIONS

8.4 WORKING WITH TEXT STYLES

8.5 USING LINE TEXT

8.6 USING MULTILINE TEXT

 AUTOPLOTTER 8.0 Dimensioning and Text

8.0 Dimensioning and Text

8.1 Introduction
Dimensions add measurements to a drawing. Tolerances specify by how much a dimension can vary. With
AutoPlotter, dimensioning can be easily managed. Text conveys important information in your drawing.
You use text for title blocks, to label parts of the drawing, to give specifications, or to make annotations.

AutoPlotter provides various ways to create text. For short, simple entries, use line text. For longer
entries with internal formatting, use multiline text. Although all entered text uses the current text style,
which establishes the default font and format settings, you can use several methods to customize the text
appearance.

8.2 Dimensioning Concepts

Dimensions show the geometric measurements of objects, the distances or angles between objects, or
the X and Y coordinates of a feature. AutoPlotter provides three basic types of dimensioning: linear,
radial, and angular. Linear dimensions include horizontal, vertical, aligned, rotated, ordinate, baseline,
and continued dimensions. A simple example of each is shown here.

Figure 8-1: Linear & Aligned Dimensioning Figure 8-2: Ordinate Dimensioning
You can dimension lines, multilines, arcs, circles, and polyline segments by selecting the objects using
object snaps, or you can draw dimensions that stand alone.

AutoPlotter draws dimensions on the current layer. Every dimension has a dimension style associated
with it, whether the default or one you define. The style controls characteristics such as color, text style,
and linetype scale. Thickness information is not supported. Style families allow for subtle modifications
to a base style for different types of dimensions. Overrides allow for style modifications to a specific
dimension.

8.2.1 Dimension Text

Dimension text refers to any kind of text that is associated with dimensions, including measurements,

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 AUTOPLOTTER 8.0 Dimensioning and Text

tolerances (both lateral and geometric), prefixes, suffixes, and textual notes in single-line or paragraph
form. You can use the default measurement computed by AutoPlotter as the text, supply your own text, or
suppress the text entirely. You can use dimension text to add information, such as special manufacturing
procedures or assembly instructions.

8.2.2 Leader Lines

A default leader line is a straight line with an arrowhead that refers to a feature in a drawing. Usually, a
leader's function is to connect annotation with the feature. Annotation in this case means paragraph text,
blocks, or feature control frames. Such leader lines are different from the simple leader lines AutoPlotter
creates automatically for radial, diameter, and linear dimensions whose text won't fit between extension
lines.

Leader objects are associated with the annotation, so when the annotation is edited, the leader is updated
accordingly. You can copy annotation used elsewhere in a drawing and append it to a leader, or you can
create a new annotation using the LEADER command. You can also create a leader with no annotation
appended.

8.3 Creating Dimensions

You can create dimensions by selecting an object to dimension (1) and specifying the dimension line
location (2).

As you create dimensions, you can modify the dimension text content and its angle relative to the
dimension line. Before you create dimensions, you choose a dimension style. If you don't, the current
style is used. If you haven't yet created a style, the dimension is assigned the default style, STANDARD.
You can rename and modify this default style.

8.3.1 To select a dimension style

From the Config menu select Dimension Style.

Figure 8-2: Change Dimension Style

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 AUTOPLOTTER 8.0 Dimensioning and Text

You can rename the standard Dimension style and change its properties.

To add a new Dimension style click the New button in the Dimension Style window. In the Edit Name text
box change the name to your liking. Then click on the Lines and Arrows tab to change any of the setting you
like to change. To change the text settings regarding fonts ,etc., click on the Text tab. If you want to
change the Units click on the Units tab. When you are finished with setting the dimension style to your
liking you can click on Set Current button in the List tab to apply the new settings.

8.3.2 Linear Dimensions

Linear dimensions can be horizontal, vertical or aligned. Aligned dimensions have the dimension line
parallel to the line along which the extension line origins lie. Baseline (or parallel) and continued (or
chain) dimensions are series of consecutive dimensions that can be based on a linear dimension. As you
create linear dimensions, you can modify the text, the angle of the text, or the angle of the dimension line.
You can also place text in any location using the User Defined option in the Dimension Style dialog box.

Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions

AutoPlotter automatically applies a horizontal or vertical dimension, depending on the extension line
origins you specify or the point where you select an object. However, you can override this as you create
the dimension by specifying a horizontal or vertical dimension. As you create horizontal and vertical
dimensions, you can modify the dimension line angle as well as the text content and angle.

To create a horizontal or vertical dimension, from the Dimension toolbar, choose .

Alternatively you can select the Linear option from the Dimension menu or type DIMLIN in the Command
bar and press Enter.

You will be prompted to select the first extension line origin and then second extension line origin. Specify
the location for dimension. The dimension will be displayed based on the location where you have
selected. Move the pointer to see whether the horizontal or vertical dimension is being displayed.

Aligned Dimensions

In aligned dimensions, the dimension line is parallel to the extension line origins. The figure 8-1 shows an
example of aligned dimensioning.

To create a aligned dimension, from the Dimension toolbar, choose .

Alternatively you can select the Aligned option from the Dimension menu or type DIMALI in the Command
bar and press Enter.

You will be prompted to select the first extension line origin and then second extension line origin. Specify
the location for dimension.

8.3.3 Radial Dimensions

Radial dimensions measure the radii and diameters of arcs and circles with optional centerlines or a
center mark. If the current style has the Fit option of Leader available, the dimension is applied with a
leader line.

Radius Dimension

To create a radius dimension, from the Dimension toolbar, choose .

Alternatively you can select the Radius option from the Dimension menu or type DIMRAD in the Command
bar and press Enter.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 8.0 Dimensioning and Text

You will be asked to select the arc of the circle. On that prompt using the Snap to Nearest point option
select the circle. And then select the point where you want the dimension to be written.

Diameter Dimension

To create a diameter dimension, from the Dimension toolbar, choose .

Alternatively you can select the Diameter option from the Dimension menu or type DIMDIA in the
Command bar and press Enter.

You will be asked to select the arc of the circle. On that prompt using the Snap to Nearest point option
select the circle. And then select the point where you want the dimension to be written.

8.3.4 Angular Dimensions

Angular dimensions measure the angle between two lines or three points. For example, you can use them
to measure the angle between two radii of a circle. The dimension line forms an arc.

To dimension an angle on an arc, circle, or line, you select the object and specify the angle endpoints. You
can also dimension an angle by specifying the angle vertex and endpoints.

To create a angular dimension, from the Dimension toolbar, choose .

Alternatively you can select the Angular option from the Dimension menu or type DIMANG in the
Command bar and press Enter.

If you want to create an arc dimension of a circle then keeping the snap to Nearest point select the arc. And
then select the point where you want the dimension to be written.

If you want to know the angle two lines make then keeping the snap to Nearest point select the first and
then the second line. And then select the point where you want the dimension to be written.

8.3.5 Ordinate Dimensions

Ordinate, or datum, dimensions measure the perpendicular distance from an origin point, called the
datum, to a dimensioned feature, such as a hole in a part. These dimensions prevent escalating errors by
maintaining accurate offsets of the features from the datum. Ordinate dimensions consist of an X or Y
ordinate with a leader line. X-datum ordinate dimensions measure the distance of a feature from the
datum along the X axis. Y-datum ordinate dimensions measure the same distance along the Y axis. If you
specify a point, AutoPlotter automatically determines whether it is an X- or Y-datum ordinate dimension.
This is called an automatic ordinate dimension. If the difference between the feature location and the
leader endpoint is greater in the Y coordinate, the dimension measures the X coordinate. Otherwise, it
measures the Y coordinate. AutoPlotter uses the origin of the current UCS to determine the measured
coordinates. The absolute value of the coordinate is used.

To create an ordinate dimension, from the Dimension toolbar, choose .

Alternatively you can select the Ordinate option from the Dimension menu or type DIMORD in the
Command bar and press Enter.

The text which is at 90 degree is the value of the x co-ordinate and the text which is at 0 degrees is the value
of the y co-ordinate.

8.3.6 Leaders and Annotation

A leader is a line that connects some annotation to a feature in a drawing. Leaders and their annotation are
associative, which means if you modify the annotation, the leader updates accordingly.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 8.0 Dimensioning and Text

Don't confuse the leader object with the leader line AutoPlotter automatically generates as part of a
dimension line.

Creating a Leader Line

You can create a leader line from any point or feature in a drawing and control its appearance as you draw
it. Leaders can be straight line segments or smooth spline curves. Leader color is controlled by the current
dimension line color. Leader scale is controlled by the overall dimension scale set in the current dimension
style. The type and size of arrowhead, if one is present, is controlled by the first arrowhead defined in the
current style. A small line known as a hook line usually connects the annotation to the leader. Hook lines
appear with multiline text and feature control frames if the last leader line segment is at an angle greater
than 15 degrees from horizontal. The hook line is the length of a single arrowhead. If the leader has no
annotation, it has no hook line. You can use the object snap modes to specify the start point of a leader
accurately.

Adding the Annotation

Leader annotations can be multiline text, a feature control frame, or a block reference. You can create a
new annotation, or you can append a copy of existing annotation. Text annotation can be entered either on
the command line a line at a time or in the Multiline Text Editor dialog box. If you enter text on the
command line, it is created as no word-wrap text (its width is set to zero).

Text or feature control frame annotation is placed at a specified offset from the final endpoint of the
leader. You specify this offset in the Dimension Style Annotation dialog box under Text Gap.

To create a Leader, from the Dimension toolbar, choose .

Alternatively you can select the Leader option from the Dimension menu or type LEADER in the Command
bar and press Enter.

Select the first and second leader points and then right-click. Here you will be asked to enter the
annotation. Enter what text you want to be displayed above the leader and press OK.

8.3.7 Center Mark

To create a Center Mark, from the Dimension toolbar, choose .

Alternatively you can select the Center mark option from the Dimension menu or type CENMARK in the
Command bar and press Enter.

You will be asked to select the arc of the circle. On that prompt using the Snap to Nearest point option
select the circle.

8.4 Working with Text Styles

All text in an AutoPlotter drawing has a style associated with it. When you enter text, AutoPlotter uses the
current text style, which sets the font, size, angle, orientation, and other text characteristics. The
defaults for the current style are displayed at the prompts on the command line. You can use or modify the
default style or create and load a new style. Once you've created a style, you can modify its attributes,
change its name, or delete it when you no longer need it.

8.4.1 Creating and Modifying Text Styles

Except for the default STANDARD style, you must create any text style that you want to use. New text
inherits height, width factor, obliquing angle, backwards, upside-down, and vertical alignment

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 AUTOPLOTTER 8.0 Dimensioning and Text

properties from the current text style. When you create or modify a text style, you use the Text Style
dialog box or command line interface to assign or change the style name, assign a font to the style and set
the font's width and angle, set the orientation of text, and preview the text style.

Style names can be up to 31 characters long. They can contain letters, numbers, and the special
characters dollar sign ($), underscore (_), and hyphen (-). If you don't enter a style name, AutoPlotter
automatically names the style Stylen, where n is a number that starts at 1. Each new style is shown in
increments.

To create a text style

From the Config menu, choose Text Style. In the window which appears click on New and type the name in
the New Text Style dialog box and click OK.

The new style you've created has all the characteristics shown in the Text Style dialog box. You can
continue to change characteristics, such as the font, or you can do it later. Select the font you want to
associate with the new font style from the Font drop down combo box and click OK.

Figure 8-3: Defining New Text Style

To modify a text style

From the Config menu, choose Text Style. In the Text Style dialog box, select a style name. Under either
Font or Effects, change any of the options. The sample text in the Preview area is updated to show the
changes you make to the style. To update text in the drawing that uses the current style, choose OK.When
you choose OK , changes to the style are applied, and can only be undone by changing the characteristics
and choosing OK again.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 8.0 Dimensioning and Text

8.5 Using Line Text

The text you add to your drawings conveys a variety of information. It may be a complex specification, title
block information, a label, or even part of the drawing. For shorter entries that do not require multiple
fonts or lines, create line text using TEXT or T. Line text is more convenient for labels.

8.5.1 Creating Line Text

Use TEXT to create a single line of text. Each text line is an object that you can relocate, reformat, or
otherwise modify.

From the Draw menu, choose Text. Specify the insertion point for the first character. Specify the height of
the text. This prompt appears only if text height is set to 0 in the current text style. A "rubber band" is
attached from the text insertion point to the pointing device cursor. To specify the height onscreen, click
the pick button to set the height of the text to the distance specified by the length of the rubber band. Then
specify a text rotation angle. You can specify the rotation angle by moving your pointing device or on the
command line. Enter the text and press ENTER or click OK. Enter more text as needed.

8.5.2 Formatting Line Text

When you create line text, you assign a style and set alignment from the command line. The alignment
determines what part of the text character aligns with the insertion point. Style sets the default format
characteristics. You cannot apply formats to individual words and characters.

Assigning a Style to Line Text

The styles used for line text are the same as those used for multiline text. When you create text, you can
assign an existing style by entering its name at the Style prompt.

Figure 8-4: Assigning a Style to Line Text

To specify a style when you create line text

Repeat the method as explained in Creating Line text section 8.5.1. After that from the Style drop down
list select the text style of your choice.

Aligning Line Text

As you create text, you can align it horizontally. That is, you can justify it with one of the alignment options
shown in the following illustration. Left alignment is the default.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 8.0 Dimensioning and Text

Figure 8-5: Aligning Line Text

The figure 8-5 shows how you can select the Alignment of you single line text during the creation of the
text. Click on the Alignment pull down list and select the required alignment.

8.5.3 Changing Line text

Like any other object, line text objects can be moved, rotated, erased, and copied. You also can mirror, or
make a reverse copy of, text. Text objects also have grips for stretching, scaling, and rotating. A line text
object has grips at the lower-left corner of the baseline and at the alignment point. You can change line
text with ED command. When used with line text, ED changes only the content.

To change other attributes you can use the Properties Tab. You can edit the contents, Style alignment, text
size, rotation, etc., With the help of the properties Tab.

8.6 Using Multiline Text

For long, complex entries, create multiline text using MTEXT. Multiline text fits a specified width but can
extend vertically to an indefinite length. You can format individual words or characters within the
multiline text. Multiline text consists of any number of text lines or paragraphs that fit within a width you
specify. Regardless of the number of lines, each set of paragraphs created in a single editing session forms
a single object, which you can move, rotate, erase, copy, mirror, stretch, or scale (see chapter 6, "Editing
Methods").

Multiline text has more editing options than line text. For example, you can apply underlining, fonts,
color, and text height changes to individual characters, words, or phrases within a paragraph.

Before creating the text, you must define the paragraph's width. When text entry is complete, AutoPlotter
inserts the text entered in the dialog box within this width limit. You can apply the text height,
justification, rotation angle, and style to the text object, or apply character formatting to selected
characters. Justification determines where the text is inserted with respect to the text boundaries.

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 CHAPTER 9
TOOLS AND UTILITIES
9.1 INTRODUCTION

9.2 CHANGING EDITOR OPTIONS

 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

9.0 Tools and Utilities

9.1 Introduction
These are the additional components in AutoPlotter which help you in various ways. The procedures and
usefulness of these are described below.

9.1.1 Edit polyline

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional polylines can be edited using the Polyline Edit function. You can
edit polylines by closing and opening them and by moving, adding, or deleting individual vertices. You can
straighten the polyline between any two vertices and toggle the linetype so that a dash appears before
and after each vertex. You can set a uniform width for the entire polyline or control the width of each
segment.For editing polylines you have to type PLINEEDIT or PE in the command bar and press Enter.
Alternatively you can select Edit Polyline from the Utils menu.

Figure 9-1: Editing Polylines

On selecting the polyline to be edited a window as shown above will appear. When an entry is selected for
editing the point is highlighted in the display with a circle. As shown above Point Number 2 is selected in
the Edit Polyline window and the same point is marked in the drawing display. There are many editing
options which you can utilize. You can change the values of x, y and z of any point you wish. If you want to
add any point to the polyline you can do it with the help of the Insert option. When you click on the Insert
button you will be prompted to select the location of the new point in the drawing. That specified point will
be inserted after the point which is currently highlighted in the Edit Polyline window.

If you wish, you can delete any point in the polyline by pressing the Delete button. You can even change the
order of points in the polyline by using the Move Up and Move Down button.

9.1.2 Edit text

Like any other object, line text objects can be moved, rotated, erased, and copied. You also can mirror, or
make a reverse copy of, text. Text objects also have grips for stretching, scaling, and rotating. A line text

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

object has grips at the lower-left corner of the baseline and at the alignment point. You can change line
text with ED or TEXTEDIT command. When used with line text, ED changes only the content. To activate
this command you can even select Edit TEXT from the Utils menu.

To change other attributes you can use the Properties Tab. You can edit the contents, Style alignment, text
size, rotation, etc., With the help of the properties Tab.

9.1.3 Auto Dimension

To activate this command you can type AUTODIMENSION in the command and press Enter or select Auto
Dimension option from the Utils menu. When this command is activated you will be prompted to select the
entities to be Auto dimensioned. You can select any of the available options such as Lines or Polylines or
All. After you have selected the entities you will be asked to select whether you want the bearings of the
lines and polylines to be displayed or not and then specify the dimension offset. All the selected entities in
the drawing will be dimensioned.

Figure 9-2: Clipboard to Entity

9.1.4 Clipboard to Entity

To activate this command you can select Clipboard to Entity option from the Utils menu. When this
command is activated you have to either type in the co-ordinates of the points you want to plot on the
drawing. First select the layer of the reference code in which you want to plot the points. If that particular
reference code is defined as a polyline in the survey library the points will form a polyline. And if the
reference code is defined as point in the survey library then AutoPlotter will plot points with the given co-
ordinates.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

9.1.5 Create Grid

In some drawings such as contour, a physical grid needs to be created mentioning the X and Y coordinate of
the grid. It is useful when the drawing is taken in print form. Creating the grid through normal commands
is tedious. So AutoPlotter provides an option for automatic creation of grid.

How to Draw Grid

1. Choose Create Grid option from the Utils menu.

Command Line: DRAWGRID

2.Enter the left bottom point. You can either enter or choose using mouse, the leftmost grid corner.

3.Enter Right Top Coordinate. You can either enter or choose using mouse, the rightmost grid corner.

4. Enter X Spacing of Grid.

5. Enter Y Spacing of Grid.

The grid will be created in the current layer and the coordinates will also be displayed. The text style and
size for the coordinates will be the current text style and height.

9.1.6 Purge
You can purge unused, unreferenced named objects from a drawing at any time during an editing session.
Purging reduces drawing size. You cannot purge objects that are referenced by other objects. For
example, a font file might be referenced by a text style. A layer is referenced by the objects on the layer.
You can purge individual objects, all objects of a specific type, or all named objects in a drawing. Purging
removes only one level of reference. For example, if purging a layer removes the only reference to a
linetype, the linetype is not purged until you purge again using the linetype option.

To Purge un-referenced objects

1. From the Utils menu, choose Purge.

Command Line: PURGE

2. A window appears as shown in figure 9-3.

3. The objects are listed based on the type. If you want to
purge a particular object, then change the option to Yes by
selecting from the drop down list next to object. E.g. If you
want to purge Layer BO, then change the purge type to Yes
as in figure.

4. Press the Purge button. AutoPlotter will purge those

objects which have been marked as “Yes” for purge. If it is
unable to purge some objects, the status will be displayed.

5. If you want to purge all the objects, press the Purge All
button. This will try to purge all the un-referenced objects
from the drawing.

6. Press Close button to close the window once you are

done.

Figure 9-3: Purging Objects

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

9.2 Changing Editor Options

You can customize many of the AutoPlotter settings using options.

Choose Options from the Tools menu. Options window is displayed which has 5 tabs. Items of individual
tab is explained below

9.2.1 Display Tab

Show system cursor: If you want the system cursor to be displayed, then checkmark this option. If
unchecked, the system cursor will not be visible in the drawing screen.

Figure 9-4: Display Tab: Options

Show crosshair cursor: If you want the cross hair to appear in the drawing screen, then
checkmark this option. If unchecked, the cross hair will not be visible in the drawing screen.

Crosshair size: Controls the size of the crosshair. The allowable range is from 1 to 100 percent of the total
screen. At 100% the ends of the crosshair are never visible. When the size is decreased to 99% or below,
the crosshairs have a finite size, and the crosshairs’ ends are visible when moved to the edge of the
graphics area. The default size is 100%.

Magnifier Size: You can set the size of the magnifier window (Refer topic 5.7). The maximum size that
can be set is 500 and the minimum is 50.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

Magnifier Scale: You can set the scale to use in magnifier display by selecting from the drop down list.
Scale ranges from 3 times to 15 times of actual size.

Magnifier Position: You can set the location where the magnifier will appear in drawing screen by setting
the magnifier’s position. You can set the position to: Right bottom, Right top, Left bottom and Left top of
the drawing window.

Segment per curve: Sets the number of line segments to be generated for each curve. The higher the
number you specify, the greater the performance impact.

Text quality: Text that are created in drawing have curvature representation and fills. You can control
the quality of text display by entering the desired text quality. The value ranges from 1 to 7.

Char/Frame threshold: When the text is zoomed out, after a certain zoom out magnification, the text
stops appearing and only the border is displayed on screen. To control till what level the text should
appear, threshold can be set. The value ranges from 3 to 5

Entity appearance threshold: You can control , at what zoom level an entity will be displayed. The value
ranges from -50 to 50

Redraw Steps: When the drawing is regenerated using REGEN command, all the entities are redrawn.
The process is done in step by step manner with iteration. Steps range from 3000 to 50000.

Draw Image border: When a image is inserted in drawing screen, if you want to display the borders of the
image then checkmark this option.

Realtime view by Navigator: While using navigator, if you want navigator to update automatically as
you zoom and pan in the main drawing screen, then checkmark this option.

Always display window scrollbar: You can control whether you would like to see the scroll bars in the
side of the drawing screen by checking this option.

Smooth Pan by scrollbars: If you want the scroll bars to automatically update while you are panning in
the drawing screen, then checkmark this option.

Color Palette: Using color palette, you can change the background color, foreground color, cursor color
and all the 256 colors that appear in the color selection
box. To set a new color palette or modify the existing
color palette, follow the instructions:-

1. Press Color Palette button. A window is displayed as

shown in figure 9-5

2. From the color list, select the color you want to

change.

3. Change the Red, Green & Blue value. (RGB value). You
can also use the Change Color button and select the
color.

4. Press Save button to save the changes. You will be

prompted whether you want to save changes to current
pallette file. Press Yes button to save.

Figure 9-5: Color settings

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

9.2.2 Selection Tab

Autoselect by point: When you click on a particular entity in the drawing screen, if you want AutoPlotter
to select that particular entity automatically, then checkmark this option.

Autoselect by Rectangle: When you draw a rectangle in the drawing screen, if you want AutoPlotter to
select that the points that are inside the rectangle, then checkmark this option.

Figure 9-6: Selection Tab: Options

Use Shift to Add selection: If and existing selection is there in drawing screen, you can add more
entities to the current selection using any selection mode. If you want to restrict addition of new entities
to current selection, only when Shift button is pressed, then checkmark this option.

Select only in current layer: If you want to select the entities which are only in the current layer, then
checkmark this option.

Unselect Edit entities: When you perform an edit operation such as move, rotate etc. you are asked to
select some objects to edit. After the edit operation is over, if you want the selection to clear, then
checkmark this option.

Select polygons by inner area: If you want to select a polygon by simply clicking inside the polygon,
then select this option.

Closed polylines as polygons: In case the polyline is closed, and you want to select the polyline by
clicking inside the polylines boundary, checkmark this option.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

Draw hatch on selected polygon: When a polygon is selected, if you want to display a hatch inside the
polygon selected, checkmark this option.

Selected Entities Color: Press the button next to Color to set the color for selected entity.

Pen Style: You can choose how the selected entities linestyle will be by setting the pen style. By default it
will be dashed.

Pick box size: When you are in selection mode, your mouse cursor changes to pick box to pick entities in
drawing. You can control the size of the pick box using the drag bar provided.

Enable Grip: We have already discussed about grips in topic 4.2.8 and 6.2.4 If you want to use grips for
editing, then you can checkmark this option.

Grip color: You can set the color in which the grip boxes will be displayed using button next to grip color.

Grip box size: You can set the size of the grip boxes by using the drag bar provided.

9.2.3 Drafting Tab

Autosnap Settings

You can control how the snap mode should work when you have enabled it, using options of autosnap
mode.

Marker: If you want to snap to the markers which are displayed, checkmark this option.

Figure 9-7: Selection Tab: Options

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

Magnet: If you enable this option then your snap will try to catch the snap which is nearest to the cursor
location automatically.

Display Autosnap aperture box: If you want to display the markers for the snap while you are moving
your cursor, checkmark this option.

Autosnap marker color: You can set the color for the autosnap markers using the button provided for
color.

Autosnap marker color: You can set the size of autosnap marker using the drag bar provided.

Tracking Settings

If you are using polar tracking (refer topic 4.3) in your editor, you can have few options for the tracking.

Display polar tracking vector: When you are moving your cursor and you are near a certain angle
mentioned for polar tracking, a ray will be displayed showing polar track line. You can control whether you
want this ray to be displayed or not, by checkmarking/uncheckmarking this option.

Display tracking tooltip: When you are moving your cursor on a polar tracking ray, a tooltip will be
displayed showing the angle (as well as distance if distance track is enabled). You can control whether you
want to display the tooltip by checkmarking/uncheckmarking this option.

Aperture size: You can set the aperture size for the cursor using the drag bar.

9.2.4 Export Tab

In the export tab you can set in which version the APD drawing will be exported in DWG and DXF format.
You can also set the numeric precision for DXF files.

Figure 9-8: Export Tab: Options

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

9.2.5 Profiles Tab

In the profile tab you can save all the current settings. You can set a previously saved profile as your
current profile by selecting the profile name from list and pressing the Set current button.

If you want to add a new profile to save the option settings, click the Add button and then specify the name
and comment if any.

You can rename a particular profile’s name by clicking the Rename button. You can delete a profile using
the Delete button. You can also reset the settings using the Reset button.

Figure 9-9: Profiles Tab: Options

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 AUTOPLOTTER 9.0 Tools and Utilities

9-10 ICS
 CHAPTER 10
WORKING WITH SURVEY DATA
10.1 DATA TYPES

10.2 library

10.3 DOWNLOADING SURVEY DATA

10.4 IMPORTING DATA

10.5 VIEWING AND EDITING OF THE SURVEY DATA

 AUTOPLOTTER 10.0 Working with survey data

10.0 Working with survey data

In AutoPlotter you can import the survey data from different sources for which the plan can be generated
automatically. You can generate other outputs such as contours, sections etc. based on the data.

10.1 Data Types

Traverse Data : The data which has planimetric information for a survey is known as the traverse data.
Traverse data has northing (Y Coordinate), easting(X Coordinate), elevation(Z Coordinate) as the main
fields. The data is supplemented by additional fields such as point number and description. This kind of
data is usually collected at site when the survey is conducted using total station or GPS. This data is also
created by Autoplotter when the survey is done by traditional instruments such as theodolite,
tacheometer, distomat etc. This kind of data can be processed for generating traverse plan, contour
drawing, 3D surfaces, volume calculation for terrains etc. The usual format of data is :

Point Number, Northing, Easting, Elevation, Description

The description field is particularly used to identify library type, Entity number and additional description
text for the point.

Section Data: Data which has sectional information of route is known as section data. Sectional
information can be longitudinal or cross section. Section data has Chainage, Offset and elevation as the
main field. It can be also supplemented by description. Main section data collected from site is for original
ground level using levelling instruments. Proposed level data can be either entered by user or generated
from Autoplotter. This kind of data can be processed for generating Plans, Longitudinal profile, cross
sections and Area-Volume calculation along route.

This chapter deals with Traverse Data only. To handle section data see chapter on Sections.

10.2 Library
Library in AutoPlotter decides how to identify the codes used while the survey was carried out. Based on
the code, different sets of properties can be set, which will be useful for the plan generation, DTM
generation, as well as for transfer to CAD. Before we start understanding the features available in the
Library, it will be worthwhile to understand the Coding methodology of the system

10.2.1 Coding Methodology

AutoPlotter categorizes the survey features encountered in the field as : a point, a line, a closed line, & a
closed traverse. In case of point, inter connectivity is not required, so it can be represented by any
designated code. For the other types, since it needs to be joined together, a coding practice needs to
followed. The First part of the Code can be alphanumeric characters of any length. This should be followed
by a unique number also referred to as entity number/object ID and then user can have additional text
information for description. Based on the entity number, the first entity will be separated from the second
entity. We will take an example for better illustration. Supposing there are two drainage lines to be
surveyed, then we can designate DRAIN as the main code, & then assign DRAIN1 for all the points
belonging to the first drain and DRAIN2 for all the points belonging to the second drain. The numeric 1 & 2
which follows the main Code DRAIN is the object ID to identify & group 1st drain points separately from
2nd drain points. This type of string based joining method is simple to execute at field. Surveyor has to
only maintain the object ID instead of assigning new code

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10.2.2 Configuring Library

To start configuring Library, you can choose Library from the Config menu. A window will be displayed as
shown in figure 10-1

Figure 10-1: Library View

The first column for code shows the current codes which have been already added in the library. The other

columns show the different parameters and properties of the code.

To add a code: Goto the last row and add new code by entering the code and properties.

To edit a code: You can edit the previously defined code. Goto the row you want to edit and change the

values.

To delete a code: Go to the row which you want to delete. Right click and select Delete from popup menu.

There are some predefined codes such as OFFSETLINE, BASELINE etc. which cannot be deleted.

The information gets automatically stored when you close the library view.

10.2.3 Library Parameters

Code: Code is required to identify the type of survey feature. Code can be a set of alpha numeric character

without space, of any length. Code should be unique, i.e it should not be repeated if it already exists in the

library. In fig 10-1 BASELINE is code used to identify base line for survey.

Comment: You can enter any description for your code here. This field is used for your reference only, &

can be left blank as well. This field is not used by Autoplotter.

Type: Type decides whether the Code you have specified is for a point, line, closed line or a closed

traverse. To select the correct type, we need to understand the types in detail

Point: A survey node which is not required to be joined to another survey node of same code. e.g. A Tree

is a feature which are usually not joined together. So they can be set with a point type of Point

Line: When survey nodes are joined to corresponding survey code with object ID as the reference, they

can be set as type line. In figure 10-2, we have considered two edges of road for which the survey is being

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ROAD2
ROAD1

ROAD2

ROAD1
ROAD2

ROAD2
ROAD1

ROAD1

Figure 10-2: Line connectivity example

conducted. The code given is ROAD and type is specified as Line. For the first road edge object ID is

specified as 1 & for the second it is specified as 2. When the data is processed in AutoPlotter, it will be

automatically grouped separately & output will be as in figure 10-2

Closed Line: When the first point of an entity is supposed to automatically close to the last point of the

same entity, then it can be defined as a Closed Line type. See the figure below for illustration
In figure 10-3 there are two buildings being surveyed. The
Bu1-2
Bu1-1
Code specified is Bu and the first building is given an object ID

of 1 and the 2nd building is given object ID of 2. After the object Bu1-4 Bu1-3

ID, point number has been given as description. The Type has Bu1-5
Bu1-6
been as closed line. Hence, after processing, Line between Bu2-2
Bu2-1
Bu1-6 to Bu1-1 is automatically created. Similarly the line
Bu2-5
between Bu2-6 to Bu2-1 is automatically created after Bu2-6
Bu2-3

processing in Autoplotter Bu2-4

LINE AUTOMATICALLY
Figure 10-3: Close Line example JOINED TO CLOSE
Closed Traverse: When the survey is carried out for closed traverse, the traverse is closed to the first

point, i.e. The first survey point and the last survey point is same. Though due to error accrued during

the survey process they are not the same. So a closed traverse correction needs to be done to correct the

closing error. In such case the type can be defined as closed traverse. Later a closed traverse correction

can be done.

Described : The checkmark Described is used to tell AutoPlotter whether the points for specified code has

a description attached to it. Description can be entered after the Object ID. The total String will have 3

parts : Code, Object ID & Description. E.g If the description for a survey point is given as BL01P1 where BL

is a Code, then while importing the data, 01 will be the object ID & the non numeric P1 will be the

description for the point. If you want AutoPlotter to consider the text following the object ID, you should

checkmark this point

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Use Point Number for Description : This option is useful to have the point number taken automatically

as description for the point. When you have not checkmarked Described option, then you can attach

additional description information to the node by selecting this option.

DTM : Some points of particular code may not be required during the calculation of 3D surface and for

calculations of contours and TIN mesh. Such points can be eliminated by deselecting the DTM option. This

option is particularly necessary to be used when traverse survey and level survey has been conducted

simultaneously. In such case, the data will have points belonging to traverse whose elevation will not be

relevant to the ground points. So the user has to checkmark only those codes for which the elevation

belongs to actual surface.

Symbol : If the node for the designated Code is to be shown with a symbol, then you need to specify it. You

may require symbol to be displayed for TREE, ELECTRIC POLE etc. To do so follow the steps:

1. Select the cell for symbol.

2. Press the button in the cell.

3. A window will appear asking you to select the symbol file. Symbol files are APD (AutoPlotter Drawing)

files which can be created by the user in AutoPlotter and saving it by choosing Save Drawing File in File

menu.

4. After selecting the symbol file, Press Open button.

5. The selection window will close & the symbol file name will be displayed in the cell.

Scale : If a symbol has been selected, the scale can be specified in the cell for Scale. By default the symbol

file will be inserted in the drawing in the same size as it was drawn in the original APD drawing. If the

symbol is required to be scaled to suite your current project, enter the scale factor here.

Text Size : Enter the text height at which the description will be drawn in the drawing.

Line Type : You can specify different line types for survey feature code for which the type has been

selected as line, closed line or closed traverse. To specify a line type, goto the cell for Line Type and select

the line type from the drop down list.

Colors: Different colors can be specified for the survey code. To specify the color for the current code:

1. Select the color cell.

2. Enter the color number. Color number ranges from 1 to 255 with 1 being red and so on.

Alternatively

1. Select the color cell.

2. Press the button in color cell.

3. A color dialogue box appears. Choose the color.

4. Press the Ok button.

5. The color dialogue closes & the color number will be displayed for the color cell and the cell reflects the

color selection.
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Layers: Layer are useful for better management of plan. Survey codes are assigned separate layers by

default and the layer name is same as that of survey code. If you want to change the layer name then enter

the cell for Layers.

10.2.4 Saving & Loading Library

You can save your entire library with all the settings and code. This is useful for different kinds of project
where the settings are different for each kind. The saved Library can be later loaded to the current project
thus saving enormous amount of time and maintaining drawing standards.

To Save the Library

1. On the Library window, right-click and select Save Library.

2. A file save dialogue appears. Enter the name for the library configuration file in which you want to save.
Extension of a Library configuration file will be CFG.

3. Press Save, to close the Save dialogue and save the library configuration file.

To Load the Library

1. On the Library window, right-click and select Load Library.

2. A File open dialogue appears. Select the library file you want to load. Extension of a Library
configuration file will be CFG.

3. Press Open, to close the File open dialogue and load the library configuration file into the current
AutoPlotter session.

10.3 Downloading Survey Data

AutoPlotter has the facility to communicate with modern survey instrument/data collector for
downloading and uploading of data.

10.3.1 Configuring Communication Parameters

Communication parameters for
AutoPlotter must be same as the
communication parameters of
instrument/data collector. Otherwise,
proper communication will not occur
between the computer and the
Instrument/data collector. To set the
communication parameter for
AutoPlotter,
1. Choose Communication from Config
menu.

2. A window appears as shown in figure. Figure 10-4: Communication Parameters

3. In Serial port, select the serial port in which your device is connected from the drop down list.

4. Baud rate: The list displays the baud rate supported. Select the one that is set in instrument.

5. Parity: Parity options displays 6 options: Even, Mark, None, Odd & Space.

6. Data bits: List will display 5 options: 4,5,6,7 and 8.

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7. Stop Bit: List will display 3 options : 1, 1.5 & 2

8. Flow Control: List will display 4 options: None, Hardware, XON/XOFF and Both.

9. TimeOut: This is maximum time that the computer should wait before terminating the transfer. By
default it will be set to 5 seconds. If the Instrument/Data Collector is slow in sending, the value can be
increased.

10. After setting different parameters, Press Ok button to close the Communication Parameters window
and set the communication parameters .

10.3.2 Downloading Data

1. Choose Download from the Data menu.

2. A File Save Dialogue will appear. Enter the name of the file along with file extension where you want to
store the downloaded data.
3. Press Save button. This will close the Save
Dialogue and display the Download screen (fig.
10-5).
4. Press Start button. Download screen will
show the file name you had specified earlier
(Step 1,2) and the folder name. It will also
display the communication parameters such as
port, settings etc. If there was an error, that will
also be displayed. If there is no error, you are
ready to receive the data.
5. Start sending the data from the instrument.
The data will be received in AutoPlotter and the
status will change showing the number of bytes
and lines received from instrument.
6. Once the transfer completes, Press Finish

Figure 10-5: Download Screen button.

7. Press Close button to close the window.

10.3.3 Uploading Data

1. Choose Upload from the Data menu.

2. Upload screen will appear as shown.

To load data from a CSV file:

A. Press Open File to Upload button.

B. A file open dialogue will appear.

Select the CSV file to be loaded in upload
screen.

C. Press Open to open the CSV file. The

data will be reflected in the upload table.

Figure 10-6: Upload Screen

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 AUTOPLOTTER 10.0 Working with survey data

Entering data to be uploaded

A. You can directly enter the northing, easting and elevation data in the cells.

B. You can also paste the data by using right-click and choosing Paste from the popup menu.

3. Instrument Type: You need to select the type of instrument on which you are uploading. There are 2
choices, To any Total Station and to Horizon make total station. Uploading is different in Horizon make
total station, so you need to specify exclusively.

4. Make sure your total station is kept under receiving mode i.e. ready for uploading.

5. Press the upload button. Total Stations screen will display the status.

6. Once uploading finishes, status will be displayed in Total Station. Close the upload window in
AutoPlotter.

10.4 Importing Data

To display the survey data collected from field in AutoPlotter, the survey data needs to be imported. Data
files are those files which contain the survey information. AutoPlotter supports different types of data
files. Once the data is imported into AutoPlotter, the data is converted in XYZ format. Traverse data
collected from site can be in any of the four broadly classified forms

1. Collected using modern instruments such as Total Station or GPS.

2. Available in ASCII format

3. Collected using conventional instruments such as theodolite, tacheometer, compass, level etc.

4. Available in graphical format like AutoCAD TM Drawing format (DWG), ArcInfoTM shape files, DXF etc.

Different form of data is treated differently while importing in AutoPlotter’s project.

10.4.1 Importing data collected using modern instruments

Geodimeter/Trimble: Downloaded data from the Geodimeter/Trimble instruments are commonly
available in the *.raw, *.job, *.obs, and *.xyz formats. Download the data in any of the above mentioned
format in your computer.

Select the Geodimeter files option from the Data menu->Import Native. A file open dialogue will appear
prompting you to select the file to be imported. Specify the file that you have downloaded. In the file type
list select the type i.e whether job, obs or xyz file. For raw files set the file type as job. You can select
multiple files using the shift button & clicking on each file to be imported. Once you have selected all the
files, Click Open to start importing the file to the current project. After the data is imported, it will be
displayed on the plan screen immediately.

Leica: Downloaded data from the Leica instruments are commonly available in the *.GSI , *.IDX and *.3
formats. Download the data in any of the above formats. GSI has two internal formats, GSI 8 and GSI 16.
Choose Leica from Data->Import Native menu. A file open dialogue will appear prompting you to select
the file to be imported. You can select multiple files using the shift button & clicking on each file to be
imported. In the file type list select the type i.e whether IDX, GSI 8 file or GSI 16 file (GSI). Click Open to
start importing the file to the current project. For the GSI format file, the northing, easting, and elevation
should be available in the data code block for which is 81, 82 and 83 respectively.

To import the files of .3 format, you can use the space delimited option (ref. 10.3.4)

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Sokkia: Downloaded data from the Sokkia instruments are commonly available in the *.SDR formats.
Download the data as SDR33 or SDR20 file in your computer.

Choose Sokkia from the Data->Import Native menu. A file open dialogue will appear prompting you to
select the file to be imported. Specify the file that you have downloaded. In the file type list select the type
i.e whether SDR33 or SDR20 file. You can select multiple files using the shift button & clicking on each file
to be imported. Click Open to start importing the file to the current project. After the data is imported, it
will be displayed on the plan screen immediately.

Pentax: Downloaded data from the Pentax instruments are commonly available in the ASCII format &
there is no proprietary data type. The file are comma delimited files. The downloaded ASC file should have
the minimum information for Northing, Easting & Elevation. Refer 10.3.2 for details.

Horizon: Downloaded data from the Horizon instruments are commonly available in RAW format
(*.RAW) formats. Data has measurement file’s information. To Import the horizon file, follow these
steps:-

1. Choose Horizon from Data->Native.

2. A File Open dialogue will prompt you to open the horizon.

3. Select the file and Press Ok button.

4. AutoPlotter window will change displaying the raw data.

Figure 10-7: Horizon Raw Data

The data consists of point number, slope distance, horizontal angle, vertical angle, staff height, northing,
easting , elevation and description. In case, northing, easting and elevation is there for a line, the
horizontal angle, vertical angle, slope distance and staff height may not be there and vice-versa.
When the data is shown is AutoPlotter, the survey points which has Northing, Easting and Elevation is
considered automatically to be of benchmark (BM) type. For the survey points which has horizontal angle,
vertical angle, staff height, slope distance, the type is considered automatically as staff station (SS).
These can be changed from the Type cell if required.
If the data is available only for staff station then the coordinates needs to be calculated so that it can be
used in AutoPlotter. To calculate the coordinates based on single benchmark reference, follow there
steps:-

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 AUTOPLOTTER 10.0 Working with survey data

1. Insert a Row above the first row. Right-click and choose Insert Row above from popup menu. Select the
Type as BM. Enter the Point Number for the benchmark (should be unique) and then enter the Northing,
Easting & Elevation for the benchmark along with description (optional). In Fig. 10-7 the point number is
entered as “Bm1”, with Northing as 1000, Easting as 1000, Elevation as 100 & Description as “BM”
2. Check if your data contains backsight reading. If backsight reading is available, make sure the Type is
BS. In case there is no backsight reading then Insert a row above the below the Bench Mark row and select
the Type as BS. Enter the backsight point’s number. For backsight reference, select the benchmark point
to which backsight has been taken. (In Fig. 10-7 “Bm1”). Enter the horizontal angle, vertical angle, slope
distance and prism height for the back sight observation.
3. Create a station point by first inserting a row after backsight row and then selecting STN for Type.
4. Enter Station’s point number, instrument height and description (optional).
5. Once your Benchmark, Backsight and Station rows are defined, Press Calculate to calculate the
coordinates for the points as well as rest of the points.
If you want to establish station based on 2 reference benchmark, then repeat step 1 & 2 and before
establishing station (3).

Figure 10-8: Horizon raw data showing two bench marks as reference

If you want to establish station based on 3 reference benchmark, then repeat step 1 & 2 two times before
establishing station (3).
When the raw data window closes, the data gets imported to the AutoPlotter Project.
Topcon: Topcon instruments data file comes in raw format. Processing and importing of data in
Autoplotter is similar to horizon instrument. Choose Topcon from Data->Import Native menu. Follow the
steps shown for Horizon to import the data file.

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10.4.2 Importing Ascii files

The ASCII type files like CSV (comma separated value)file, and tab delimited file having XYZ data can be
directly added to the project.
Select Data->Ascii Import and choose the option which matches your file type. Once you select the file, a
file open dialogue will be displayed as shown in fig 10-9.
Change the default field nos if necessary and then
click Import. If your file does not have point number
and reference code then give it any arbitrary number.
e.g. If file contains only X, Y and Z data having field
nos. 1,2,3 respectively then enter the field nos for
northing, easting and elevation as 2, 1, 3
respectively. For the other fields like point number
Figure 10-9: Field number selection and reference code enter 4 and 5.

10.3.3 Traditional Instruments

Using optical instruments, survey data collected varies from instrument to instrument.
Method of survey varies for the same kind of instrument. Using a theodolite, tacheometer, distomat
+electronic theodolite:
The survey can be carried out considering the zero angle directed towards north and for each subsequent
stations, the horizontal angle is set to north first.
Another popular method is to consider zero horizontal line to the previous instrument station. That means
the survey is started without giving much consideration to the direction. The line from the first instrument
station to the bench mark is set as zero. Once the instrument is moved to the next station, the previous
station is sighted, and the line of sight is made zero, and survey is continued.
10.3.3.1 Theodolite
A traditional theodolite will collect horizontal angle (HA) only, but a improvised one will have facility to
collect vertical angle(VA) as well. Theodolite data will have information for Bench mark’s coordinates,
Back sight data (HA, VA, Horizontal Distance), Station height, Staff station data as well as foresight data.

Figure 10-10: Theodolite Data

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Initial station setup can be done based on 1 known benchmark, 2 known benchmarks or 3 known
benchmarks. Figure 10-10 shows station setup with 3 known points. You can view theodolite screen by
choosing Theodolite from Data->Import conventional menu.
How to enter Initial station setup data ?
1. Enter the benchmark information. Select Type as BM. Enter Point Number, Northing, Easting, Elevation
& Description(Optional) in the respective cell.
2. In the next line, enter the backsight information. Select Type as BS, Enter Point Number, back sight
reference i.e the benchmark’s point number to which backsight has been observed. Also enter horziontal
distance, Horizontal & Vertical Angle, Staff reading & Description (optional).
3. Repeat the same steps if you have more than one benchmark for reference.
4. Enter the instrument station details. Select Type as STN. Enter point number for station and in SS/IH
enter instrument height. Enter Description for station point(optional).
How to enter staff station details and foresight details?
1. After the station has been defined, enter staff station details. Select Type as BS, Enter Point Number,
Enter horizontal distance, Horizontal & Vertical Angle, Staff reading & Description (optional).
2. Repeat the same process to enter for staff stations.
3. Once the instrument needs to be shifted a foresight is observed to new instrument station point. To
Enter foresight details, select Type as FS. Enter the point number for the new station in BS Ref. Rest of the
entry is same as for staff station.
How to enter another station detail?
If the next station has been setup using a benchmark, follow the process explained for initial station
setup. In case, a foresight has been observed from any of the previous station for the new station and
same reference is used:-
1. In the next line, enter the backsight information. Select Type as BS, Enter Point Number, back sight
reference i.e the previous station’s point number from which foresight had been observed to new station.
Also enter horizontal distance, Horizontal & Vertical Angle, Staff reading & Description (optional).
2. Enter the instrument station details. Select Type as STN. Enter point number for station and in SS/IH
enter instrument height. Enter Description for station point(optional).
How to calculate coordinates?
Press Calculate button and the coordinates will be calculated for station point, staff station (SS), and
foresight point (FS).
How to enter data for survey without elevation?
Remove the checkmark for Elevation survey. Some columns will hide since elevation information is not
required. You don't have to enter staff height/instrument height, vertical angle and elevation.
How to enter data for theodolite survey where HA is considered from previous station?
Select Angle from previous station in Method. Initial station setup remains the same as the Angle from
north method except that reference angle does not reflect north direction.
When the instrument is shifted to a new station, back sight data need not be entered, since it is understood
that the backsight is to the previous station and the horizontal angle is set to zero.
Rest of the entry remains the same as in other method explained above.

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10.4.3.2 Tacheometer
A tacheometer collects horizontal angle (HA), vertical angle(VA) and stadia readings. Tacheometer data
will have information for Bench mark’s coordinates, Back sight data (HA, VA, Stadia readings), Station
height, Staff station data as well as foresight data.

Figure 10-11: Tacheometric Data

Initial station setup can be done based on 1 known benchmark, 2 known benchmarks or 3 known
benchmarks. Figure 10-11 shows station setup with 1 known point. You can view tacheometer screen by
choosing Tacheometer from Data->Import conventional menu.
How to enter Initial station setup data ?
1. Enter the benchmark information. Select Type as BM. Enter Point Number, Northing, Easting, Elevation
& Description(Optional) in the respective cell.
2. In the next line, enter the backsight information. Select Type as BS, Enter Point Number, back sight
reference i.e the benchmark’s point number to which backsight has been observed. Also enter stadia
reading (top hair, middle hair & bottom hair), Horizontal & Vertical Angle & Description (optional).
3. Repeat the same steps if you have more than one benchmark for reference.
4. Enter the instrument station details. Select Type as STN. Enter point number for station and in SS/IH
enter instrument height in Middle. Enter Description for station point(optional).
How to enter staff station details and foresight details?
1. After the station has been defined, enter staff station details. Select Type as BS, Enter Point Number,
stadia readings (top, middle and bottom hair), Horizontal & Vertical Angle & Description (optional).
2. Repeat the same process to enter more staff stations.
3. Once the instrument needs to be shifted a foresight is observed to new instrument station point. To
Enter foresight details, select Type as FS. Enter the point number for the new station in BS Ref. Rest of the
entry is same as for staff station.
How to enter another station detail?
If the next station has been setup using a benchmark, follow the process explained for initial station
setup. In case, a foresight has been observed from any of the previous station for the new station and
same reference is used:-
1. In the next line, enter the backsight information. Select Type as BS, Enter Point Number, back sight
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reference i.e the previous station’s point number from which foresight had been observed to new station.
Also enter stadia readings, Horizontal & Vertical Angle & Description (optional).
2. Enter the instrument station details. Select Type as STN. Enter point number for station and in Middle
column enter instrument height. Enter Description for station point(optional).
How to calculate coordinates?
Before you can calculate coordinates you need to specify the Additive constant and the Multiplication
constant for the tacheometer. Bye default the additive constant is 0 and multiplicative constant is 100.
Check your tacheometer’s specification manual and change the values if required. Press Calculate button
and the coordinates will be calculated for station point, staff station (SS), and foresight point (FS).
How to enter data for survey without elevation?
Remove the checkmark for Elevation survey. Elevation column will hide since elevation information is not
required.
How to enter data for tacheometer survey where HA is considered from previous station?
Select Angle from previous station in Method. Initial station setup remains the same as the Angle from
north method except that reference angle does not reflect north direction.
When the instrument is shifted to a new station, back sight data need not be entered, since it is understood
that the backsight is to the previous station and the horizontal angle is set to zero.
Rest of the entry remains the same as in other method explained above.
10.4.3.3 Distomat + Electronic Theodolite
Distomat with Electronic Theodolite attachment has information for Bench mark’s coordinates, Back
sight data (HA, VA, Slope Distance), Station height, Staff station data as well as foresight data.

Figure 10-12: Distomat + Electronic Theodolite Data

Initial station setup can be done based on 1 known benchmark, 2 known benchmarks or 3 known
benchmarks. Figure 10-12 shows station setup with 1 known point. You can view tacheometer screen by
choosing Distomat+ET from Data->Import conventional menu.
The process of entry is same as for theodolite survey. Only difference in data is, in Distomat+Electronic
Theodolite the slope distance is collected instead of horizontal distance.

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10.4.3.4 Level
Level data consists of benchmark elevation, backsight staff reading and staff readings of other grid
points.

Figure 10-13: Level Data

To enter level data, choose Level from Data->Conventional Instrument menu.
1. Select the Type as BM (Benchmark). Enter the Point number and the reduced level for benchmark.
2. In the next row, select Type as BS (Backsight) and select the back sight reference in BS Ref. Enter the
staff reading for backsight.
3. In the next row, select Type as SS (Side shot). Enter the point number, X & Y coordinate of grid, and staff
reading and description (optional). Repeat the same process to enter more SS data.
4. In case you want to shift your level to another location and want a backsight reference, then select Type
as FS (Foresight station). Enter the point number of point number, X & Y coordinate of grid, staff reading,
and description (optional)
To setup another station, if you are using benchmark as reference, repeat step 1 & 2
If you are using a foresight as reference, repeat step 2 and in backsight reference, select Foresight’s point
number.
The calculation for coordinates is automatically done as you enter the data. If your grid is aligned
differently ,then enter the bearing for the baseline (in fig. 10-13 45 degrees is entered)
If the origin point of grid is not the same as te coordinate of grid then enter the Origin X and Origin Y
coordinate and also the Grid X and Grid Y coordinate (In fig. 10-13 Origin X & Y are 1000,1000 and Grid X &
Grid Y is 0,0) The grid’s northing and easting will get shifted to the new origin.

10-14 ICS
 AUTOPLOTTER 10.0 Working with survey data

10.4.4 Graphical Data

Graphical data can be from an existing drawing created by AutoPlotter in APD format, or an AutoCADTM
drawing file or a DXF (Data eXchange format) file.
10.4.4.1 AutoPlotter Drawing file (APD)
There are two ways in which a previous AutoPlotter drawing file can be imported in the current project.
Method I
1. Insert the drawing using the insert command
2. Explode the inserted drawing. This will automatically add the data to the survey data
Method II
1. Choose Open Drawing file from the File menu. You will be asked whether you want to add the drawing to
the current project. Press Yes button.
2. A file dialogue prompts you to select the file to open. Select the APD file to be added to current project.
Press the Open button.
3. The file will be displayed on the screen. Choose APD to project from the Data menu.
4. The data will be added to survey data and status will show the number of points converted.
10.4.4.2 AutoCADTM Drawing file (DWG) & DXF file
1. Choose Open Drawing file from the File menu. You will be asked whether you want to add the drawing to
the current project. Press Yes button.
2. A file dialogue prompts you to select the file to open. Select the DWG file or DXF file to be added to
current project. Press the Open button.
3. The file will be displayed on the drawing screen. Choose APD to project from the Data menu.
4. The data will be added to survey data and status will show the number of points converted.
10.3.4.3 ArcInfoTM shape file
1. Choose Arcview Shape Files from the Draw menu.
2. A file dialogue will prompt you to select the shape file to open. Select the shape file you want to import.
Press Open button.
3. The shape file will be displayed on the drawing screen. Choose APD to project from the Data menu.
4. The data will be added to survey data and status will show the number of points converted.

ICS 10-15
 AUTOPLOTTER 10.0 Working with survey data

10.5 Viewing and editing of the survey data

The survey data imported from different sources can viewed and edited in AutoPlotter’s View screen.
Choose Survey Data from View menu. Survey Data screen will be displayed as shown in Figure 10-14

Figure 10-14: Survey Data View

The Current DTM is shown in the initial screen. To know more about DTM’s please refer the chapter on
Contours. The column displayed are as follows:-
Ref. Code: The reference code displays the survey code that is specified. If no code has been specified
in original survey data, it will be taken as “UNNAMED”.
Object No: Object Number also discussed as entity number is the number for the current code. Object
number can be common to more than one point. That decides whether to group the data together in
case the code type has been defined as line in library. Object Number will be numeric integer value and
will not be empty. If no object number is specified, it will be automatically taken as 1
Point No: Point number is the number given in survey data for identification. Can be blank if nothing is
specified. Point number can also be an alphanumeric value.
Northing: This column displays the northing or the Y coordinate of the point/node. Northing will
always be a numerical value
Easting: This column displays the easting or the X coordinate of the point/node. Northing will always
be a numerical value
Elevation: This column displays the elevation or the Z coordinate of the point/node. Northing will
always be a numerical value
Description: This column displays the description for the point/node if specified. This field can be
empty as well
Editing Data: You need to change the data in the cells and then Press the Update Entities button once you
have finished editing all the data.
Adding new Data: Goto the last row and enter the data. Press the Update Entities button once you have
finished with adding the data and want to save.
Deleting Data: Once you right-click the popup menu appears. choose Delete Row to delete the current
row. In case you want to delete more than one row, select the cells using shift button and arrow keys. Then

10-16 ICS
 AUTOPLOTTER 10.0 Working with survey data

right-click and choose Clear from the popup menu. Press the Update Entities button once you are finished.
Changing Current DTM: To view other DTM’s point, select the Current View from the drop down list.
Find & Replace: Once you right-click the popup menu appears. Choose Find & Replace from the popup
menu. A window will be displayed as shown in figure 10-15
How to Find a value?
1. Enter the string/text you are searching
in Find What.
2. Select the column in which you want to
search the text from Search In list. If you
want to search in all the columns, then
select All from the list.
3. Checkmark Match Case option if your
search is case sensitive.
Figure 10-15: Find & Replace Window
4. Checkmark Find Whole words Only if you want to search the complete cell for the search text.
5. Press the Find Next button. Status will display the find results. If you want to continue searching for the
same text ahead, Press the Find Next button again. Continue till you are done.
How to Replace value?
1. Enter the string/text you are searching in Find What.
2. Enter the string you want your find text to replaced to in Replace With.
3. Select the column in which you want to search the text from Search In list. If you want to search in all the
columns, then select All from the list.
4. Checkmark Match Case option if your search is case sensitive.
5. Checkmark Find Whole words Only if you want to search the complete cell for the search text.
6. Press the Replace button. Status will display the replace status. If you want to continue searching and
replacing for the same text, Press the Replace button again. Continue till you are done.
7. In case you want to Replace all occurrence of the search in one go, press the Replace All button. The
status will display number of replacement.
Zoom to Selection: You can zoom to any part of the plan from the survey data view to have a closer look at
the point. To zoom to a particular point/entity:-
1. Right-click and select Zoom to selection from the popup menu.
2. Now press Ctrl+Tab key to shift from survey data view to other view. Once the drawing view is displayed,
you will notice that the point/entity that you had selected in survey data is zoomed is blinking. You can
return to the survey view by using Ctrl+Tab key.
In case Ctrl+Tab key does not change the display, first Press Alt +F key to get focus in Main window. Press
Escape Key and then press Ctrl + Tab key.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 10.0 Working with survey data

10-18 ICS
 CHAPTER 11
COGO
11.1 INTRODUCTION

11.2 DISTANCE

11.3 ANGLE AND INTERSECTION

11.4 TRIANGLE SOLUTIONS

 AUTOPLOTTER 11.0 COGO

11.0 COGO
11.1 Introduction
COGO calculations include day to day survey calculation which are very useful for users of optical
instruments. It also includes point adjustments required to correct errors in the survey or for benchmark
reference change.

11.2 Distance
1. Choose Distance from the COGO menu. A window will appear as shown in fig. 11-1.

2. Enter the values for coordinates, or press the >> button and pick the coordinate from drawing
screen.

3. The distance in 3D between two point is calculated and displayed immediately.

Figure 11-1: Distance Calculation

11.3 Angle and Intersection

11.3.1 Angle Calculation

1. Choose Angle Calculation from the COGO menu. A window will be displayed as shown in figure 11-2.
2. Enter the coordinates for 3 points of the triangle or pick the coordinates from drawing screen by
pressing >> button.

3. The Internal and external angles will be immediately displayed.

Figure 11-2: Angle calculation (3- points)

ICS 11-1
 AUTOPLOTTER 11.0 COGO

11.3.2 Angle Calculation (Line)

1. Choose Angle Calculation(Line) from the COGO menu. A window will be displayed as shown in figure
11-3.

2. Enter the coordinates for 2 lines, or choose the points from the drawing screen by pressing the >>
button.

3.The internal and external angles between the lines are calculated immediately. You can also know
whether lines intersect. If they intersect you will get the intersection point’s coordinate.

Figure 11-3: Angle Calculation(4-Points)

11.4 Triangle Solutions

11.4.1 For 3 Sides

Choose Side/Side/Side from COGO->Triangle Solutions menu. A window will be displayed as in fig.
11-4. Enter the length of three sides to get the angles

Figure11-4: Side/Side/Side

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 AUTOPLOTTER 11.0 COGO

11.4.2 For Side-Angle-Side

Choose Side-Angle-Side from the
COGO ->Triangle Solutions menu. A
window will be displayed as shown in
figure 11-5. Enter the length of two
sides and the internal angle to get the
length and angles for the triangle.

Figure 11-5: Side/Angle/Side

11.4.3 For Angle-Side-Angle

Choose Angle-Side-Angle from the COGO ->Triangle Solutions menu. A window will be displayed as
shown in figure 11-6. Enter the 2 angles and one side length to get the other parameters of triangle.

Figure 11-6: Angle/Side/Angle

11.4.4 For Angle-Angle-Side

Goto COGO ->Triangle Solutions -
>Angle-Angle-Side. A window will be
displayed as in fig. 11-7. Enter the 2
angles and one side length to get the
other parameters of triangle

Figure 11-7: Angle/Angle/Side

ICS 11-3
 AUTOPLOTTER 11.0 COGO

11.4.5 For Side-Side-Angle

Goto COGO ->Triangle Solutions ->Side-Side-Angle. A window will be displayed as in fig. 8-8. Enter
the 2 sides length and one angle to get the other parameters of triangle

Figure 11-8: Side/Side/Angle

11.4.6 For Three Points
Goto COGO ->Triangle Solutions ->3 points. A window will be displayed as in fig. 11-9. Enter the co-
ordinates of three points to get all the parameters of triangle.

Figure 11-9: 3 Ponts

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 AUTOPLOTTER 11.0 COGO

11.5 Three Points (Distances)

1. Choose Three Points (Distances) from the COGO menu. A window will be displayed as in fig.11-10.

2. Enter 3 reference points’ co-ordinates or pick using >> button.

3. Enter distances from a particular Station point to current referenc point.

4. The Station Point’s co-ordinates is immediately calculated along with the sides of the triangle made
by the three reference points and also the angles subtended by them at the Station Point (refer fig.11-
10).

Figure 11-10: Three Points (Distances)

11.6 Three Points (Angles)
1. Choose Three Points (Angles) from the COGO menu. A window will be displayed as in fig.11-11. 2.
Enter 3 reference points’ co-ordinates or pick from the drawing screen using the >> button.

3. Enter the angles subtended by the reference points at the station point.

4. Station point co-ordinates will be calculated and the sides of the triangle made by the three
reference points(refer fig.11-11).

Figure 11-11: Three Points (Angles)

ICS 11-5
 AUTOPLOTTER 11.0 COGO

11.7 Two Points and two Angles

1. Choose Two Points and two Angles from COGO menu. A window will be displayed as in fig.11-12.

2. Enter two points’ co-ordinates or pick from drawing screen by pressing >> button.

3. Enter the angles subtended by the two points at the station point.

4. The station point co-ordinates and the sides of the triangle will be calculated automatically.

Figure 11-12: Two Points and two Angles

11.8 Conversions

11.8.1 Distance Conversions

Goto COGO ->Conversions ->Distance Conversions. A window as shown in fig. 11-13 will appear.
Enter the distance and select the from unit and to unit from the lists to get the converted values.

Figure 11-13: Distance Conversion

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 AUTOPLOTTER 11.0 COGO

11.8.2 Area Conversions

Goto COGO ->Conversions ->Area Conversions. A window as shown in fig. 11-14 will appear. Enter
the area and select the from unit and to unit from the lists to get the converted value.

Figure 11-14: Area Conversion

11.8.3 Angle Conversions

Goto COGO ->Conversions ->Angle Conversions. A window as shown in fig. 11-15 will appear. Enter
the angle in either degree, dd/mm/ss or radians to get the converted values.

Figure 11-15: Angle Conversion

ICS 11-7
 AUTOPLOTTER 11.0 COGO

11.8.4 Volume Conversions

Goto COGO ->Conversions ->Volume Conversions. A window as shown in fig. 11-16 will appear. Enter
the Volume and select the from unit and to unit from the lists to get the converted value.

Figure 11-16: Volume Conversion

11-8 ICS
 CHAPTER 12
PLOTTING AND EXPORTING
12.1 Preparing your plotter

12.2 Plotting your drawing

12.3 Print Preview

12.4 Exporting Survey Data

12.5 Exporting Drawing Data

 AUTOPLOTTER 12.0 Plotting and Exporting

12.0 Plotting and Exporting

After you've created your drawing with AutoPlotter, you usually plot it on paper. Depending on your needs,
you can set options that determine what is plotted and how the image fits on the paper.

AutoPlotter does not store plotter configuration information in the drawing files. For each drawing, you
can use the drawing editor to set up the view you want to plot. You can define the settings for the desired
output by selecting an existing plotter configuration as a starting point modifying plotter settings in the
Plot dialog box. Changes made in the Plot dialog box are saved as new default plotter settings only if a
successful plot is completed using the new settings.

12.1 Preparing Your Plotter

Before you plot, make sure your plotter or printer is ready. Check to see whether it is turned on and
properly connected to your computer. If you are using a pen plotter, check the pens. Are they seated
properly in the pen holder? What pen width and color corresponds to each pen number? Run a self-test to
see whether any of the pens are clogged or skipping. Check the paper. What size is loaded? Is it properly
aligned?

12.2 Plotting your drawing

The following procedure describes how to plot quickly once you've configured your plotter/printer.

1. From the File menu, choose Print or, from the Standard toolbar, choose .

Command Line: PRINT

2. In the Print dialog box, if you have configured more than one plotter/printer, press Change button. A
new window for Printer Configuration will be displayed as shown in figure 12-2

Figure 12-1: Print Window

ICS 12-1
 AUTOPLOTTER 12.0 Plotting and Exporting

Figure 12-2: Print Setup Window

Select the appropriate name of plotter/printer from the list next to name.

If you need to change properties of the plotter/printer, Press the properties button. A new window will
display the printer properties. Details of plotter/printer configuration is out of scope of this manual.
Please refer technical details and manuals for your printer/plotter for more information on different
settings and configuration.

You can set the paper size, paper source and the orientation of paper (portrait/Landscape). Press Ok
button when done.

3. You will return to the main Print window. Specify which print area you want to plot.

Extent will plot the complete drawings extent.

Display will plot the current view on your drawing screen

Paper will plot the complete paper which is current. Paper option will be available only when paper is added
in the drawing. (Papers for LS and CS are automatically added when the LS or CS is generated)

In case you select the window option, you need to click the <Pick button. Once you press the <Pick button,
print window will minimize and you need to specify the rectangle corners for your print area on the drawing
screen. Once you have specified the print rectangle, the print window will be re-displayed.

4.Enter the number of copies required in the space provided.

5. If you want all the colors to be plotted in black color then checkmark the option: Force all colors to black

6. Specify the Print Scale. If Scale to fit is checkmarked, then the scale will be automatically taken based
on paper size and print area. If you want to specify your own scale, remove the checkmark from Scale to Fit
and enter the scale in space provided.

7. In print offset, you can specify the X and Y offset to position your plot properly. There is an option to

12-2 ICS
 AUTOPLOTTER 12.0 Plotting and Exporting

center the plot as well. Once this option is selected the X and Y offset will be taken automatically and the
plot will appear in the center of the paper.

8. Stamp: If you want to specify any stamp in the printed sheet, press the Stamp button. A window will be
displayed as shown in figure 12-3

Figure 12-3: Print Stamp Window

Checkmark On to make the stamp print.

Select the position for the stamp from the drop down list for Position.(Left Top, Center Top, Right Top etc.)

Select the stamp fields required to be displayed. You can display Drawing name, Date and Time, Device
name, Paper size and print scale. You can also display user defined field which can be entered in the space
provided.

Enter the font height in which the stamp should appear.

Press Ok when done. You will return to the Print window again.

8. Press Ok button to print.

12.3 Print Preview

You can see how your plot will look using the print preview option. To see print preview,

Choose Print Preview from the File menu or from standard toolbar choose

or in Print window (Fig. 12.1), press Preview button

ICS 12-3
 AUTOPLOTTER 12.0 Plotting and Exporting

On selecting print preview mode, your drawing display will change to show the preview of plot in paper.
Use the middle button for zoom & pan. Right click and choose Print to print the current preview.

12.4 Exporting Survey Data

Survey data in your AutoPlotter project can be exported to other formats like:

CSV (comma separated value) file

Text (tab delimited) file

SDR (Sokkia instrument specific) file

GSI (Leica instrument specific) file

To export to any of the above format, choose the file type from Data->Export menu. Specify the file name
and press Save.

12.5 Exporting Drawing Data

Drawing plotted in your AutoPlotter can be exported to DWG and DXF formats. From the File menu, choose
Save Drawing File As... You will be prompted to specify the name to save. Enter the file name and select the
file type. Press Save to the specified file type.

12-4 ICS
 CHAPTER 13
DTM AND CONTOUR
13.1 IMPORTING DATA

13.2 VIEWING AND EDITING IMPORTED DATA

13.3 DTM FILTERS

13.4 CONTOUR DEFINITION

13.5 CREATE CONTOURS

13.6 REMOTE ELEVATION

13.7 EXPORT TO GRID

13.8 ADD POINTS

13.9 DTM

13.10 terrain volume

13.11 cross section and area

13.12 Longitudinal Profile and Volume

13.13 PROFILE ON CONTOUR

 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

13.0 DTM and Contour

13.1 Import Data

13.1.1 Total Station

The first step to generate contours is to import the surveyed data into your project. If the survey was done
using a total station then you can directly import the files into your project using the Import Native option
in the Data menu. Refer section 10.3.1 for getting a better idea of Importing Total station files.

13.1.2 Traditional Instruments

Using optical instruments, survey data collected varies from instrument to instrument. Method of survey
varies for the same kind of instrument. Refer section 10.3.3 for creating traditional instrument files in
AutoPlotter.

13.1.3 Graphical Data

Drawing files can also be read by AutoPlotter when they are imported into it. Once the data from the
drawing is added to the surveyed data in AutoPlotter you can carry out any process like Contouring or
building sections and volume calculations etc. Refer section 10.3.4 to know more about adding drawing
data to the surveyed data.

13.2 Viewing and Editing Imported Data

In order to view the imported or calculated data you can choose Surveyed data from View menu. If you find
any of the readings to be incorrect after it is imported you can edit the data in the Surveyed Data window.
You can even add a few points if need be. After closing the Surveyed data window choose Reprocess Data
from the Data menu to make the changes to take effect.

13.3 DTM Filters

DTM filter can be used when contours are required between two user - defined R.L.s or Levels and also
when you desire to limit your contours within a closed boundary. Many filtering options can be found in
Filters from the DTM menu.

Figure 13-1: Elevation Filter Definition

ICS 13-1
 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

13.3.1 Elevation Filter

In cases where Traverse points and other details such as Electric Poles, Telephone Poles, Trees etc. whose
elevation information is not taken, are surveyed along with the Topographic survey the elevation filter
can be used. To set the filter choose Filter Configuration from DTM->Filters menu. A window will be
displayed (refer Fig 13-1). In the window checkmark the option Use Elevation Filter and then specify the
Minimum R.L. and Maximum R.L. in the textboxes provided. Press Ok when done.While calculating the
DTM, AutoPlotter will not consider the points whose R.L.s are outside the range specified in ‘Minimum R.L.’
and ‘Maximum R.L.’

13.3.2 Boundary Filter

To select the boundaries you want your contours to be excluded from or included into, choose Define
Boundary from DTM->Filters menu. You will be prompted to first specify the type of boundary you would
like to add namely Exclude or Include. Type the first letter of your choice in the command bar and press
Enter and then select the boundary of your choice. The boundary should be a closed line.

Figure 13-2: Boundary Filter Definition

In the above figure (refer fig. 13-2) three boundaries are shown. Of the three boundaries one is of the
Included type and the others are the Excluded type boundary. All the selected boundaries are listed in the
Use Boundary Filter list. You can choose any one or all of the boundaries to plot the contours to your liking.
The boundary you select in the list will be highlighted in the display portion of AutoPlotter so that you know
the selected boundary. Included boundaries are those inside which AutoPlotter will plot the defined
contours whereas there will be no contours inside the Excluded boundaries.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

13.3.3 Using Breakline

Breaklines are imaginary lines used during contour generation to segregate data. For example, when a
survey is done for a river and surrounding areas, the contour of river bed will be different than that of
banks. So a break line can be defined for the river edge lines so that contours are treated seperately.
Breakline filter option can be used to define a breakline. The details of the breakline should be there in the
survey data. If it is not in your surveyed data you can create a breakline by first adding a reference code in
the code library and setting the type to Line. Then in the reference code control in the Object Properties
toolbar select the reference code you have just added and then draw the line in the display area

Figure 13-3: Breakline Filter Definition

of AutoPlotter. The details of the breakline will be appended to your surveyed data. Then choose Define
Breakline from DTM->Filters menu, and select the line you have drawn. Now you can set the DTM filter to
use breakline. To do that choose Filter Configuration from the DTM->Filters menu. Check mark the option
Use Breakline. Select the entity number from the breakline list. When you select the breakline number
from the list, the breakline will be highlighted. Refer figure 13-3 for better understanding.

ICS 13-3
 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

13.4 Contour Definition

Once the data for contours is properly imported, you can proceed further to define the contours. Contours
can be defined by primarily three methods all of which are explained below

13.4.1 Contour By Groups

Using AutoPlotter you can define the Contours by groups which have different Intervals or Increments.
Conventionally it is preferred to have two groups, one major group and one minor group. For example, you
can have one group of contours at every 0.15m minor contour interval in yellow color with continuous
linestyle while other group of contours at every 0.5 m major contour interval in red color with continuous
linestyle.

To Add the contour groups, choose By Group from DTM ->Define Contours menu. A window as shown in
figure 13-4 will appear. For Group 1, In the Start RL column enter the elevation from which you want to
start the group. In the Increment column specify the contour interval for the group and in the Linestyle
column, select the linestyle to be used for this particular group. In the Color column enter the color
number or you can select it by clicking the button next to it. Repeat the same procedure to add more
groups .Once you are done, click Add Groups. The status will be updated to show the number of contours

Figure 13-4: Contour Group Definition

To erase the groups which were created previously, you can click on the Clear Contours button. This will
erase all the previous contour definition. Note that if you define more than one contour group, specify the
group with lower increment first and then the one with higher increment. E.g. Contour group with 0.15m
interval (refer fig.13-4) has been specified before specifying contour group with 0.5m interval.

13.4.2 Contour By Range

Contour Range can be used to easily identify the terrain. Ranges can be created according to the user
preferences, on the basis of which, the high land and low land area can be easily identified. Contour Range
can be used to easily identify the terrain. Ranges can be created according to the user preferences on the

13-4 ICS
 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

basis of which, the high land and low lying area can be easily identified. To define the contour Range,
choose By Range from DTM ->Define Contours menu. On selecting this option, a window will be displayed
as shown in figure 13-5.

Figure 13-5: Contour Range Definition

To Specify the contour range, follow these steps:

1) Specify a contour interval in the space provided for Contour interval. In figure 13-5 contour interval has
been specified as 0.25 units.

2) Start specifying your range. Your range should be defined from the lower elevation to the higher
elevation. For Range 1, enter the starting reduced level and the ending reduced level in the space
provided. In figure 13-5, for Range 1, the Start RL has been specified as 49.1 unit and the End RL has been
specified as 50.0 unit

3) Specify the color that you would like to assign to this particular range. To select the color, click on the
button next to color box. A window will be displayed with the list of colors. Click on the color to select. In
figure 13-5, for Range 1, the color has been specified as 1 (red).

4) On selecting the color, the background of row for complete range will show the newly selected color.

5) Repeat steps 2 to 4 to specify more ranges.

6) Once you have finished adding your ranges, Click on the Add Range button. This will update the
AutoPlotter project with the newly defined range and will set the color for individual contour line.

7) To clear the contours which have been already added to the current project, click the Clear Contours
button. When you have finished defining the ranges close the window.

13.4.3 Individual Contour Definition

Using contour groups and Contour range contours can be added at fixed elevation interval only. To add
contour lines individually, or at a desired elevation, choose Individually from the DTM ->Define Contours
can be used.

ICS 13-5
 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

Figure 13-6: Individual Contour Definition

When you select this option the window as shown in the figure above appears(refer fig. 13-6). In this
window you can add new contours and also edit already added contours. For already added contours y ou
can change the elevation, linetype, and also the color. You can add new contours to represent special
features like H.F.L or Month-wise reservoir levels, etc., With special color or linetypes so that they can be
recognized in the drawing easily.

13.5 Create Contours

To create the contours after you have defined the contours choose Create Contours from the DTM menu.

Figure 13-7: Create Contour

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 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

On selecting the option the window as shown in the figure 13-7 appears. Before you proceed with plotting
the contours it is advisable to customizing the drawing parameters to your choice.

Understanding the options

13.5.1 Layers: Contour

With this option you can control where your contours are to be plotted. To manage the contours better you
can set it to (i) in single layer, (ii) in separate layers or (iii) based on group. If the first option is selected all
the contours will be plotted in one layer, CON by default. The second option will ensure that all the
contours are placed in a different layer whereas if the third layer is selected the contours will be plotted in
layers based on the groups under which they are defined.

13.5.2 Layers: Layer Prefix

Type the name of the layer you want the contours to be plotted.

13.5.3 Layers: Annotation

Type the name of the layer in which you want the Contour Elevations to be plotted.

13.5.4 Layers: Spot Level

Type the name of the layer in which you want the Contour Spot Levels to be plotted.

13.5.5 Curve Type

You can select the type of curve you want to use for drawing the contours. By default are plotted using
straight lines. If you want to change that you can select any curve type from the combo box.

13.5.6 Centroidal fit Contours

While drawing contours with smooth curves, the basic interpolation and calculation of control points are
done considering the contour line as straight line segments. While fitting the curve, in a few particular
conditions of closed contours, contours will move slightly from the original calculated location. To ensure
that, even after fitting of curve for these special condition, the movement is restricted, Centroidal Fit
Contours can be used. When Centroidal Fit Contours is used, a single DTM triangle is converted into three
triangles, based on which the contour points will be calculated. When you check mark this option, there
will be no shifting of contour line from the control point though the smoothness of the contour will be less.
See figure 13-8(a) & 13-8(b) for a better understanding.

13.5.7 Use Grid Data

If the raw survey data is taken in random, and the sampling is not proper, the control points for contour line
will be less. To increase the control points for the contours, Grid data can be used. The grid data will be
generated based on the random data at specified interval and based on the calculated grid points, the
contour points will be calculated increasing its accuracy. If the Use Grid Data option is selected, you will
have to enter the grid size which can be the length of any one side of the grid. The data will be generated for
a square area with your specified length. Contour processing will take longer time which is related to the
size of the grid.

13.5.8 Show Surface

Selecting this option, will create 3D faces for the calculated TIN (Triangular Irregular Network) .

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Shifting removed
Control Point with Contour of 415m in the contour line
415m Elevation
Figure 13-8(a): Contour without Centroidal Fit Figure 13-8(b): Contour with Centroidal Fit

13.5.9 Rebuild DTM

Required to recalculate the TIN triangles on the basis of the data. If you have already built your DTM once
(by generating contours from the data) you need not rebuild. You will need to rebuild the DTM only when
you have changed your data or you have changed the scanning radius.

13.5.10 Scanning Radius

Scanning radius is the maximum distance to search from any survey point to find the neighboring point.
Scanning radius defines the maximum length of side for triangles for TIN network. All the calculations for
contours are related to the scanning radius. The illustration below explains the concept of scanning
radius.

There are 11 surveyed points shown in figure 13-9a. We start with point number 7 and provide a scanning
radius of 30m. On providing 30 m as scanning radius (fig. 13-9b), the 2 neighboring points 8 and 10 come
inside the circle with the scanning radius. Now we move into the next point say 8 and apply the same
scanning radius of 30 (fig.13-9b). The other point 10 is left out. So we increase our scanning radius to 40.
Now all the 3 points: 7, 8, and 10 can be linked.

Similarly we consider other points for the maximum scanning radius to form a triangle. After final
inspection we set overall scanning radius for all the points as 40. The TIN which is generated on the basis of
40 scanning radius is shown in fig. 13-9d.

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7 7
8 8
10 10
9 9
5 5 4
6 4 6
11 11
2 2

Figure 13-9(a): Initial Survey Point Figure 13-9(b): Providing Scanning Radius of 30m
with the center as point number 7

As you can see from the TIN in fig. 13-9d, triangle between point 1, 8 and 9 were not formed because the
scanning radius of 40 is less than the distance between point 1 & 9. If the area for triangle has to be also
considered in the DTM, scanning radius should be increased. Fig. 4-8e shows the TIN with scanning radius
of 50.

7 7
8 8
10 10
9 9
5 4 5
6 6 4

11 11
2 2

TIN formed with

Figure 13-9(c): Providing Scanning Radius of 40 m Figure 13-9(d):
scanning radius of 40
with the center as point number 8
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Now that we are familiar with the concept of

scanning radius, lets look into few things to be kept
in mind :

a) Providing a larger scanning radius, will yield

nearly the same results. A very large scanning
7 radius will create triangles which should not be part

8 of the DTM. To avoid this a reasonable scanning

10 radius should be provided based on the sampling of
9 surveyed data.

5 b) A smaller scanning radius will yield less number

6 4 of triangles and will leave out portion of the
surveyed area e.g. In fig. 13-9d the triangle
11 between 1,8 & 9 was not created.

c) Based on the scanning radius, the boundary for

2
the site is defined in which contour calculation will
be done. E.g. In case of fig. 13-9e boundary formed
is for the outer edges of triangles. Scanning radius,
Figure 13-9(e): TIN formed with scanning radius of 50
if specified properly can detect the boundary
automatically. It can also be used the other way round. If there had been no surveyed

data for a particular area in the site but the contours are required for that area also, a higher scanning
radius will do the job.

13.5.11 Annotation: Show Spot Levels

If this option is checkmarked then AutoPlotter will show Spot Levels or Elevations of the surveyed points in
the contour drawing.

13.5.12 Annotation: Contour Levels at End

If this option is checkmarked AutoPlotter will plot the contour levels or RLs at the two ends of open
contours and at one location of closed contours.

13.5.13 Annotation: Annotation Text Height

Specify the text height of the annotation texts such as Contour Rls in this textbox.

13.5.14 Annotation: Spot Level Text Height

Specify the text height of the annotation texts such as spot levels in this textbox.

Once you have specified all the parameters, Click on the Generate button to plot the contours.
13.6 Remote Elevation
If you like to know the elevation of any point inside the
periphery of your surveyed area or even out side it you can
use Remote Elevation. Choose Remote Elevation from the
DTM menu. One way of knowing the Elevation is to simply
typing the X and Y co-ordinates of the point and click the
Elevation button. Or you can make the hover around the area Figure 13-10:Remote Elevation

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you want to know the elevation and press Ctrl+E. The elevation of that point will be calculated. If you want
to add that calculated point to your surveyed data then click the Add button. Repeat this method to add
more points to the surveyed data.

13.7 Export to Grid

You can convert the random spot levels collected from site into a grid data. The grid point RL will be
calculated from the TIN generated based on the random data and scanning radius. A file will be created
having information of the X, Y, and Z coordinates for the Exported Grid, which can be later transferred
back to AutoPlotter project for processing. To generate the grid data follow these steps:

1) Import the file containing the random data.

2)Choose Export to Grid from the DTM menu . A window appears as shown in figure 13-11.

3) In the file name enter the file name you want for
the exported grid. You can select the folder where
you want to save using the browse button.

4) Enter the X spacing and Y spacing for the

exported grid in space provided.

5) In the grid origin text box enter the coordinate

of the point from which you want the grid to start.
If you want the coordinates generated for the grid
to be on the basis of imported data then enter 0,0
Figure 13-11: Grid Generation
as origin. Entry for origin should be made in this
manner: <X Coordinate>, <Y Coordinate>

6) Enter the scanning radius (see Section 13.5.10 for details). Check the Create DTM if the DTM has not
been calculated for the project already.

7) Click generate to export the data in grid form The file thus created will have information regarding the X
coordinate, Y coordinate and Z coordinate. The file can be directly opened in any kind of worksheet
application and can imported to AutoPlotter 6.x using CSV file import.

If you want to directly add the grid data to the current project checkmark the box next to Add to Current
project option. And then click the Export button.

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13.8 Add Points

To activate this command, choose Add Points from DTM menu. A window as shown in figure 13-12 will
appear. This feature is useful if elevation, for a given set of known northing and easting is required. For
example, you have done a survey of a land and you have the northing, easting and elevation. After certain
period of time resurvey the area (after some filling or cutting) and you have second set of readings. Now if
you want the elevation for second data corresponding to the northing and easting of previous data, then
you can use Add Points. To do this copy the northing and easting in windows clipboard. Paste the same
(northing and easting) corresponding to which you want the elevation.Then enter the scanning radius and
click Calculate. Now you can either export the data to a new file or add it to the same project. Click Add To
Project to add the data to the same project. Keep the survey reference code selected to which you want
your calculated data to be appended. In the figure 13-12 note that before adding to the project the
reference code GL is selected. You can export the data to a file. For this click Export Data. On doing so, you
will be prompted to specify a file name where you want to save the data. Specify a file name and click Save.
Now you can open a new project and import that file.

Figure 13-12: Add Points

13.9 DTM
DTM is the digital terrain model of surface data. Digital terrain model is created based on the surveyed
data when it is processed for contours, terrain volume calculation etc. AutoPlotter can have multiple
number of DTM in one single project. It is useful to keep track of surface changes.

For example, if a survey is done for a particular site prior to excavation and another survey is done after
the excavation for the same site, then we have to DTM for the same site. These DTMs can be used to find out
the volume of excavation.

DTMs can be used for other purposes as well other than volume calculation between surfaces, such as
generation of separate contour lines, profiles and cross sections etc.

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13.9.1 How to Create New DTM

1. Choose Active DTM from the DTM menu.

2. A window will appear as shown in figure 13-13

3. In a new row, enter the new DTMs’ name.

4. Move to the next row by pressing ENTER.

5. Close the Active DTM & Configuration window by

pressing Ok button. This will add the new DTM to your
project.

Figure 13-13: DTM Window

13.9.2 Making a DTM current

In the DTM & Configuration window, select the DTM that you want to make current. Then Press Set as
Current DTM button. This will make the selected DTM current.

Significance of current DTM

Any new data imported in project will get imported in current DTM

Contours will be generated for current DTM

Any operation which involves DTM creation or rebuild will consider the current DTMs’ data.

13.10 Terrain Volume

Terrain volume is used, if you want to find the volume between a DTM surface and a datum or if you want to
find the volume between one DTM surface to another DTM surface. The prerequisite for terrain volume
calculation are:-

1. DTM surface data

2. Boundary: This is the boundary inside which the terrain volume will be calculated.

3. Center Line: A center line is required for terrain volume. Based on this center line, cross sections are
generated inside the boundary and the volume is calculated either from a datum or from another surface.

13.10.1 Finding volume between a DTM surface and datum

1. Choose Terrain Volume from the DTM menu. A window will appear as shown in figure 13-14

Figure 13-14: Terrain Volume between a DTM and datum

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 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

2. Select the DTM from the Final DTM surface list from which you want to calculate volume.

3. Select Datum from the Initial DTM surface list.

4. Enter the scanning radius for the final DTM in the space provided for Scan Radius.

5. Press the button next to Boundary to select the boundary inside which the volume needs to be
calculated.

6. On pressing the Boundary selection button, Terrain volume window will minimize and you will be
prompted to select the boundary line in command prompt.

7. Select the boundary from the drawing by clicking on the boundary line. Terrain volume window will be
redisplayed with Boundary displaying Selected.

Note:- Boundary should be a closed polyline whose survey information is available.

8. Press the button next to Center Line to select the center line based on which the cross sections will be
generated.

9. On pressing the Center line selection button, Terrain volume window will minimize and you will be
prompted to select the center line in command prompt.

10. Select the center line from the drawing by clicking on the center line. Terrain volume window will be
redisplayed with Center Line displaying Selected.

11. Enter Interval in the space provided. This is the chainage interval at which the cross sections will be
generated.

12. Enter Datum in the space provided. Based on this datum value volume will be calculated.

13. Press Process button to calculate volume. Once the calculation is over, the volume will be displayed at
the status of Terrain Volume window.

13.10.2 Finding volume between two DTM surface

1. Choose Terrain Volume from the DTM menu. A window will appear as shown in figure 13-14

2. Select the DTM from the Final DTM surface list from which you want to calculate volume.

3. Select the other DTM from the Initial DTM surface list to which you want to calculate volume.

4. Enter the scanning radius for both the DTMs in the space provided for Scan Radius.

5. Press the button next to Boundary to select the boundary inside which the volume needs to be
calculated.

6. On pressing the Boundary selection button, Terrain volume window will minimize and you will be
prompted to select the boundary line in command prompt.

7. Select the boundary from the drawing by clicking on the boundary line. Terrain volume window will be
redisplayed with Boundary displaying Selected.

Note:- Boundary should be a closed polyline whose survey information is available.

8. Press the button next to Center Line to select the center line based on which the cross sections will be
generated.

9. On pressing the Center line selection button, Terrain volume window will minimize and you will be
prompted to select the center line in command prompt.

10. Select the center line from the drawing by clicking on the center line. Terrain volume window will be

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 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

redisplayed with Center Line displaying Selected.

11. Enter Interval in the space provided. This is the chainage interval at which the cross sections will be
generated.

12. Press Process button to calculate volume. Once the calculation is over, the volume will be displayed at
the status of Terrain Volume window.

13.11 Cross Section and Area

Once you have processed for volume as explained in section 10.3.1 and 10.3.2 you can view the cross
sections for the area based on which volume has been calculated. Press CS & Area button. Cross section
viewer window will be displayed showing the cross section.

Zoom & Pan

Move First Move Next Area
Current Chainage Move Previous Move Last
Y Scale Change order
Section Data

Cross Section

Area Display

Figure 13-15: Terrain Volume between a DTM and datum

The section data will be displayed in the left hand side. If more than one data is available, display will show
multiple tabs. In the cross section viewer you can perform following actions:-

Zoom & Pan: Zoom & Pan tools are available in the toolbar of cross section viewer. Use it to zoom and pan
in the cross section. You can also right-click on cross section and select the zoom & pan options. For more
information on zoom & pan, refer Chapter 5

Edit & Save: You can modify the cross section’s data by entering the value in the grid provided or you can
use mouse to edit the cross section drawing by using grips. Press the Save button from the toolbar and the

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 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

cross section’s information will get updated in the original data.

Note: First and last point of the cross section cannot be modified.

Print: You can print the current cross section directly using the print button located in cross section
viewer’s toolbar. For more information on printing refer chapter 12.

Save as Drawing: You can save the current cross section as a separate drawing file (APD) by choosing
Save to APD button from the toolbar.

Modifying display & use for cross section

Y Mag: Changing the value in Y Mag will magnify the Y scale of the cross section.

Txt. Ht: Entering the text height will change the text height in cross section.

Interval: The vertical scale shows elevation readings at a particular interval. You can change the interval
at which the elevation readings should appear by entering the interval.

Lock Offset: If you don’t want to change the offset values in the grid as well as in the drawing, then
checkmark Lock offset.

Lock RL: If you don’t want to change the elevation (RL) values in the grid as well as in the drawing, then
checkmark Lock RL.

Area

To see the detailed area report for the current cross section, press Area button from the toolbar. Your
display will change to show the area report for the current cross section as shown in figure.

Figure 13-16: Terrain Volume between a DTM and datum

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 AUTOPLOTTER 13.0 DTM AND CONTOUR

Once you right click on the area sheet, popup menu is displayed using which you can copy the information
to clipboard and paste it to other software.

Browsing through sections

Buttons are provided in the toolbar to move from one chainage to other. You can go to the very first
chainage by pressing the << button. Similarly you can go to the last chainage by pressing >> button. To
move to previous chainage use < button, similarly to move to next chainage, use > button.

You can also move to a particular chainage by directly entering the chainage in the space provided for
Chainage. If there is no chainage available, AutoPlotter will display the nearest chainage.

10.12 Longitudinal Profile and Volume

Once you have processed for volume as explained in section 10.3.1 and 10.3.2 you can view the
Longitudinal profile and the volume report. Press Volume button. Profile viewer window will be displayed
showing the longitudinal profile.

Zoom & Pan Volume view

Section Data

Longitudinal Profile

Figure 13-17: Profile View

Data for particular offset will be displayed in the left hand side. Elevation can be modified and saved if it is
not a derived elevation (if the data exists in the original section information). You can also edit the
elevation graphically using grips in the Profile editor. You can choose to display Chainage, Level, and
vertical grid. The datum for the profile is assumed automatically based on the lowest level. You can modify
the datum. Y-Mag is the Y scale and Interval is the vertical elevation interval. You can choose to Lock the
RL, in which case the Longitudinal section as well data cannot be modified.

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To view the volume for the profile, press the Volume button in the profile toolbar. The View changes to the
volume view where cross sectional areas and volume are displayed along with cumulative cut and fill.

Figure 13-18: Volume View

Once you right click on the area sheet, popup menu is displayed using which you can copy the information
to clipboard and paste it to other software.

13.13 Profile on Contour

To get an immediate profile on contour, follow these steps:-

1. Create a centerline using a polyline or a line on top of the contour.

2. Choose Profile on Contour from the DTM menu

Command Line: QUICKLS

3. You will be prompted to enter the chainage interval. Enter the chainage interval and then press ENTER.

4. You will be prompted to select the center line. Select the center line on the drawing screen by clicking on
it.

5. The profile will be calculated and displayed as shown in figure 13-17

Usage of the profile window is the same as explained in section 13.3.4

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 CHAPTER 14
SECTIONS
14.1 IMPORTING SECTION DATA OR ROUTE DATA

14.2 CREATING CROSS SECTION TEMPLATE

14.3 ALIGNING ROUTE DATA

14.4 section data from dtm

14.5 longitudinal section

14.6 CROSS section

14.7 CROSS sectionAL AREAS

 AUTOPLOTTER 14.0 Sections

14.0 Sections
Data which has sectional information of route is known as section data. Sectional information can be
longitudinal or cross section. Section data has Chainage, Offset and elevation as the main field. It can be
also supplemented by description. Main section data collected from site is for original ground level using
levelling instruments. Proposed level data can be either entered by user or generated from Autoplotter.
This kind of data can be processed for generating Plans, Longitudinal profile, cross sections and Area-
Volume calculation along route.

The usual format of data is :

CHAINAGE, OFFSET, ELEVATION, DESCRIPTION

14.1 Importing of Section Data or Route Data

There are 2 ways to import te section data:

1)From CSV file :To import the section data, goto Section > Route Data from file.. .A dialogue box will
appear prompting for the CSV file, select the route file and press Open, a window will appear as shown in
figure.
Chainage: Enter the column field number for the
chainages entered in the CSV file.

Offset: Enter the column field number for the

offsets entered in the CSV file.

Elevation: Enter the column field number for the

elevation entered in the CSV file.

Description: Enter the column field number for the

description entered in the CSV file. Fig. 14-1: Import Route Data Window
Add to New Route: This option allows you to create a new route for the section data been imported.
Select this option if you are creating a new route. Specify a name for the route under the Name empty field
box and you can select a color by clicking over the color palette button. Choose a color and press Ok.

Add to Existing: This option allows you to add the section data for an existing route already imported or
present. Select the existing route name from the list present next to the Add to Existing option.

Click the Ok button when done.

2)From Clipboard: You can also copy the route or section data from your spreadsheet and paste directly
into AutoPlotter. Copy the route data, goto Section > Routes. A Routes definition dialog window will open
as shown in figure below:

Add: Click the Add button to enter a name for the section data that is to be imported.

Route: Specify a name for the data in the empty field, say for eg: if you importing the OGL data, mention
the name as OGL.

Color: You can select a color by clicking on the color palette button, a color dialog box will be displayed,
choose ant of the color and press Ok. v) Copy the section data from your spreadsheet and right mouse click
to paste it into Routes. ( Note: The data copied is to be in the usual format as specified above).

Save: Click the Save button to save the current section data to the route name specified. On saving, the
section data will automatically be added to the planimetric information for X and Y. Also there will be a

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 AUTOPLOTTER 14.0 Sections

color change in the data fields when there is a change of Chainage.

Group List: When a route data is added, a group number will automatically be created and subsequently
for different route data’s the group numbers keep on adding up. Each time a new section data is added,
numbers will be assigned to the route.

Delete: To remove the existing route data, you can select the group number and the route from the list
and click the Delete button to remove the data.

Template: You can create cross section templates for fill and cut conditions and it can be applied for the
route automatically. See section 14.2 “Creating a Cross Section Template”.

Group: This group configuration allows you to effectively manage all the route numbers created
automatically during importing of route data. When 2 or more routes are present then to obtain multiple
route sections will be a tedious job. But with the group configuration multiple route sections can be
grouped and aligned to different routes in one go. Click on the Group button, a Route Group Configuration
dialog will appear as shown below:

Fig. 14-2: Route Definition Window

For eg: if have OGL , FRL (Proposed Level), DRL (Drain Level), etc which is to be aligned to the first route,
you can group FRL and DRL to OGL route. To do this, from the Source list, select the route number (here 2 is
FRL). The name of the current route number will be displayed on left side empty field box. Now select the

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route number under the Target List and the

corresponding route names will appear on the right
hand empty field box.

Select the route names on the left field for which you

want to group to the target route, and press the >

button.

Then click on the Save button to save the group.

Similarly to group the route data corresponding to the
second route, repeat the same procedure. Close when
done.
Figure 14-3: Route Group Configuration
Move: This feature allows you to move your current chainage to targeted chainage. i.e.; if you have
imported a route chainage starting from 0,10,20 so on, but you need to recalculate the starting chainage
starting from 500 m, so that the modified chainage will be starting from 500,510,520 so on, then you can
move to the targeted chainage using this move option.

Select the route from the list where you want to shift the starting chanage, enter the new chainage in the
field box next to the Move button and then click the Move button. Click the Save button to apply the
changes made.

14.2 Creating Cross Section Template

AutoPlotter has the facility to apply a user defined cross section template for a route data. You can apply

Figure 14-4: Template Definition

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 AUTOPLOTTER 14.0 Sections

the designed cross width, side slope, berms, etc for both in fill and cut conditions separately. The software
will automatically apply the template based on the data available. To create and apply a template, click
the Template button in the Routes Definition or goto Section > Define CS template. A Cross Section
definition window will be displayed as shown in figure 14-4.

Follow the steps to create a CS Template

Add: Press the Add button to enter a name for the template.

Template: Enter a name for the cross section template. You can define more than one template by giving
different name.

Fill Tab: To define the template in filling condition, press the fill tab. By default the Left side tab will be
highlighted. In the Left side tab you will find Top Definition and Side Slope frame.

Under the Top Definition frame, the definitions are as follows:

Length/Width: It is the Cross width for a cross section. The width entered will be the distance from the
center line or from the Center offset. If there is a difference of camber, then multiple widths can be
entered one below the other as shown in figure 14-4

Slope/Camber: Cross slope or camber can be provided for a defined width. Specify the camber beside
the width entered. In the figure, the total width in left side is 5m and between offset 0 to -3.5 the camber
provided is 2.5% and between -3.5 offset to -5 offset, the camber provided is 3%.

Note

1.The camber provided is a downward cross slope, hence enter a positive value. To define a cross slope
in super elevation condition, enter a negative value.

2.If you have no cross slope (flat) enter 0%.

Under Side Slope frame, the definitions are as follows:

Depth: The depth is the difference of height from the toe point to the edge of the cross width for which the
side slope and a berm has to be applied.

Slope: It is the side slope provided from the shoulder edge to the Toe. The format of slope to be entered is
Vertical / Horizontal. To apply a vertical slope simply enter 90 to have sudden drop from the shoulder.

Berm: To provide a width for a pathway on the side slope at the specified depth, berm can be used. Enter
the width of the berm. If there is no berm, enter 0.

Note: From the above figure, when at the height of 0m, the side slope applied is 1/1 with no any berm. If
the difference of height/depth is upto 1m, then the above condition is applied.

In case the difference of height goes beyond 1m, then the slope applied will be 1/1 with a berm width of
0.5m.

Similarly to define on the Right Hand side click the Right tab. The definition is the same as we have defined
for the Left Hand side.

Cut Tab: To define a template for a cutting condition, click on the cut tab. The definition for the Left and
Right tabs are similar to the Fill condition.

Save: Click the Save button to save the template defined. On saving, you can apply the template by
simply selecting the template name from the template list.

The Template Application frame allows you to select the route, apply side slopes, specify Offset, etc.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 14.0 Sections

Route: The route will list the route data imported. The route name selected here will be applied with the
template defined. If you are applying the template for FRL (Proposed), then select the proposed route
name from the list.

To: The template will be applied from the route and extend upto the next route layer. Select the route
name from the list for which the template is to be extended to. For example, if the template is to applied
at FRL and extend upto OGL, then select the OGL route here.

Apply Side Slope: Check mark this option if you want the Side Slopes defined to be applied to the route. If
you do not check mark the side slopes, then the side slopes will not be applied to the route. This will be
useful in case you have field levels, achieved levels, etc.

Apply Top Definition: Check mark this option if you want the Top definition like widths and cambers to be
applied to the route. If you do not check mark the top definition, then the width and cambers will not be
applied to the route. This option will be useful if you have already having the offset widths in the route
data.

Recalculate Center: By default, the applied template can be applied at 0 center offset. On check marking
this,

Offset: By default the template will be applied at 0 center offset. If you want the template to be applied
at any other offset the enter the required offset value. To specify a left offset, enter a negative value, and
to specify a right offset, enter a positive value.

Apply: Click the apply button to apply the template for the selected route.

Delete: To remove a template from the list, simply press the delete button.

Close: Press the close button to close the Template definition dialog window.

14.3 Align Route Data

If there are more than 1 routes in plan and you want to align each route data to different routes then the
Align route data can be used. This will be useful in case you require L & C sections for more than 1 route at a
time by simply selecting the route groups and aligning it across the routes present in the plan.

Initially route data has to be present under Routes (See “Importing Section Data or Route Data”). To align
a route, goto Section > Align Route... A align Route Data window will appear as shown in figure below.

Group: The group will list all the route group numbers created under Routes.(See how to create Groups in
section 14.1). Select the group for which you want to align to a route.

Figure 14-5: Align Route Definition

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 AUTOPLOTTER 14.0 Sections

Figure 14-6: Routes on Plan

Center Line: Select the route line in your plan by clicking the > button. The window will close temporarily
and prompt for selecting the route line on the plan. Point the mouse cursor onto the route line to select.
Now the window will appear and the field box will be displayed “Selected”.

Start Chain: By default the starting chainage will be 0.0 m. If the starting chainage for your route is other
than 0.0 m , then enter the chainage here. Hence the route will be calculated with respect to the specified
chainage.

Align: On clicking the align button, the route data will be aligned to the route on plan.

Close: Click the close button to close the window.

14.4 Section Data from DTM

Longitudinal and Cross sections can be plotted provided the route data or section data is present. Section
can be plotted for a route data or on DTM (Digital Terrain Model).

To create section data from the DTM, follow these steps

1.The topographic data has to be imported.(See how to import Survey data).

2.A route center line for which section has to be built is also required on the topo data. If there is no
route line present, then draw a route line on the plan. (See how to “Draw a Poly Line”)

3.Goto Section > Build Route data from DTM..., a build section data window will appear as shown in
figure below.
4. In the section data window, the following
terms are described as below;

Center Line: Select the route line on the plan

by clicking the > button. On selecting the route
line, the field box will display Selected.

Name: Enter a name for the route data which is

to be built on the DTM.

Color: Select a color for the route data by

clicking on the color palette button.

Offsets: Offsets or cross chainages can also be

calculated to obtain the section data. There are
2 ways to generate offsets, they are:
Figure 14-7: Build Section Data

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A) Fixed Offsets: The fixed offsets will be useful to generate offsets at uniform interval. If this is
checkmarked, then enter the Offset Interval in field box provided. Also enter the Maximum Offset for
which you want to generate the offsets. For example; as shown in figure, offsets upto 40m on the left and
right side from the centerline with an interval of 2m will be generated.

B) Variable Offsets: The variable offsets can be used in case you want to calculate only at specified
offsets or at only one side. Enter the offsets separated by a comma in the Offsets field box. For example;
-19,-17,-12.5,-5,0,2.5,6,8,15 can be entered.

Note: Positive offset means cross chainage on the right side from the center line and Negative offset
means cross chainage on the left side from the center line.

Chain Interval: It is the Longitudinal chainage interval. Enter the chainage interval n the field box.

Starting Chainage: By default, Autoplotter will consider the start chainage for the route as 0.0 m. In
case the chainage starts other than 0.0m then enter the starting chainage for the route in the field box
here. Hence the route will be calculated with respect to the starting chainage specified.

Scanning Radius: To effectively build the section data on the DTM, you need to provide an optimum
scanning radius value. (See “Scanning Radius”).

Rebuild DTM: Check mark this option to apply the scanning radius value in generating the section data.

Enable Near Pt Calculation: When the offset points are outside the TIN model, the elevation will not
be calculated. On check marking this, the elevations for the offset points will be taken equal to the
nearest DTM point.

Add Additional offsets: Cross Section points are calculated for the offsets defined in Variable Offsets.
If the offsets at which the cross section line intersects the DTM points and hence this point should also be
added, then check mark this option.

Calculate: Click the calculate button to generate the section data.

Close: Click Close when done.

5.A dialog window will appear displaying the number of cross sections generated. Click Ok to continue.

6.Goto Section > Routes, select the route name to view the section data generated.

14.5 Longitudinal Sections

L sections or Longitudinal sections can be plotted provided the section or route data is present. There are
2 ways to plot the longitudinal section

A: Quick Longitudinal Section : This will enable to plot the LS with all the default settings of text height,
table, vertical scale, etc

B: Custom Longitudinal Section: This will enable to plot the section in detail as per user settings like sheet
setting, complete or partial, table, text height, X & Y scale, etc

Follow the steps to plot the LS.

A: Quick Longitudinal Section :

1.Goto Section > Profile & Volume View.

2.A command “Select Center Line to view Profile” will appear in the command prompt window. Select the
center line from the editor.

3.A Profile View window will appear displaying the longitudinal section of the center line selected in the

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Zoom & Pan Volume view

Section Data
Longitudinal Profile

Figure 14-8: Quick Profile window

drawing editor. See Fig 14-8.

The following terms described are:

Offset: By default the offset for LS will be 0. If you require LS at any other cross offset, enter it here. The LS
will be displayed for the specified offset present in the route data

Datum: Enter the datum level or else by default Auto will automatically calculate the minimum level and
will be used for Datum.

Text Ht: To change the text height of the Rl’s and chainage readings in the section, enter it here.

Interval: It is the Z interval value that is to be displayed in the section.

Y Mag: It is the elevation scale along the Y axis of the section. By default the vertical scale will be set to 10,
change the value as required.

Show Chainage: By default, the chainage table will be displayed below the section, if you do not want to
display it, then uncheck this option

Show RL at bottom: By default, the Rl table will be displayed below the section, if you do not want to display
it, then uncheck this option

Show Vertical Grid: This will display the section with vertical lines passing from the section line to the

datum line across the chainages in the table. To remove

the vertical lines, uncheck this option

Save: To save the current LS, click on button. You

will be prompted to save the section in APD / DWG / DXF
format.

Print: To print the current LS, click on the button.

See “ Printing” for more details

Volume Report: To view volume details, click button.

A sheet will appear as shown in Fig 14-9. To switch back
to the section, click button again. Use CTRL+A to
select all, CTRL+C to copy Figure 14-9: Volume sheet

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B: Custom Longitudinal Sections:

1.Goto Section > Generate Longitudinal Profile.

2.A page & profile settings dialog will appear as shown in Fig 14-10. The following terms described are:

New: Click the new button to create a new page setting.

Name: Enter a name for a page setting, for example; if you want the profile in A0, A3, and A4 sheet sizes,
then enter a name in the name field box.

Paper Size: Select the paper size from the list.

Width and Height: Automatically the width and height of the paper will be set on selecting the Paper size.
In case you need to change, then select User defined in Paper size, and then enter the width and height in
mm.

Orientation: You can set the orientation of the paper according to your requirement. Select Portrait or
Landscape depending on your plotting format.

Save: Click the save button to save the paper

settings made. Similarly to create multiple paper
settings, follow the steps mentioned above.

Group: It is the route group created under Routes,

select the group number from the group list for
which you require the profile.

Offset: By default, LS will be plotted for 0.0 m

offset. If you require LS at different offset, enter
the offset here.

Complete: Select this option to plot LS for all the

chainages. Figure 14-10: Page Settings window
Partial: Select this option to plot LS only for a
certain chainage only. In the From field box, enter
the start chainage.

Use Template File: Checkmark this option to use

a template from file. The template file will be a
*.APD format. Click the browse button to select
the template file and click Open.

3. Click the Next button to continue to Table Settings

dialog box as shown in figure 14-11.

The following terms in table settings are:

Group Defined: In this group, the items such as

chainage, RL of individual routes will be present Figure 14-11: Table Settings window
here. Select the item you want to add for the table in LS.

Name: It is the name of the item selected in the group.

Caption: By default it will be the name of the item selected in the group. To edit the name, click the Edit
button to modify the name. This name will be displayed in LS as specified here. The field box provided
below can be used to add or subtract a particular item and can be used to define for table in LS. For

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example, to get the depth or height difference between OGL and FRL, click the Add button. Enter a
name in the Name and Caption box. Double click the FRL item and click the - (Subtract) button. Now click
the OGL and press the Save button.

To add the group items into the final table content, click the > button. To remove the items from the final
table content, click the < button. To change the order of the items in the table, select the items in the
final table content and press the ^ button.

4. After the table settings are made, press the Next button to continue for Display settings as shown in
figure 14-12. The following terms are described below;

Chainage Interval: It is the longitudinal chainage interval. Enter the interval for the chainage here.

Datum: Enter the datum level or else by default Auto will automatically calculate the minimum level and
will be used for Datum.
X Scale and Y Scale: The X scale is the Horizontal
scale for Chainage and Y Scale is the Vertical Scale
for Elevation. Enter the value in the format 1 : 1000.

Table Row height: It is the coordinate table row

height. Enter the row height as per requirement.

Header Width: It is the spacing between the Datum

line and the Table row.

Elevation Text Ht: it is the elevation values text

size or text height.

Table Text ht: It is the text height for the text in

table row.

Y Interval: Enter the Elevation interval to be Figure 14-12: Table Settings window
displayed in LS.

Color: You can set color for Elevation text, Table line, Axis and Grid by clicking the color palette button.

No Grid: This is the plotting style of the LS. If donot want any lines in between the section, then select
this option.

Vertical Lines: Select this option if you require vertical lines drawn in between section.

Grid: Select this option to get grid lines on the LS.

Header Alignment: Select the alignment of the header or caption in the table row. The options are
Vertical, Horizontal or None.

Length: Specify the length of the chainage for the LS you want to plot. If the length is smaller than the
total chainage, then the LS will be broken into individual parts in separate sheets.

Overlap: If the LS is broken into multiple parts, you may require the second portion of LS to start from a
certain length before the actual start chainage. In such case, enter the overlap length for the LS.

5. Click the Generate button to plot and view the Longitudinal Section.

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14.6 Cross Sections

Cross sections can be plotted provided the section or route data is present. There are 2 ways to plot the
cross section

A: Quick Corss Section : This will enable to plot the CS with all the default settings of text height, table,
vertical scale, etc

B: Custom Cross Section: This will enable to plot the section as per user settings like sheet setting,
complete or partial, table, text height, X & Y scale, etc

Follow the steps to plot the CS.

A: Quick Cross Section :

1.Goto Section > CS & Area View.

2.A command “Select Cross Section to View ” will appear in the command prompt window. Select the CS
line from the editor.

3.A Cross Section Viewer window will appear as shown in Fig 14-13 displaying the current cross section
selected in the editor

Zoom & Pan

Move First Move Next Area
Current Chainage Move Previous Move Last
Y Scale Change order

Cross Section
Section Data

Area Display

Figure 14-13: Cross Section Viewer

The section data will be displayed in the left hand side. If more than one data is available, display will show
multiple tabs. In the cross section viewer you can perform following actions:-

Zoom & Pan: Zoom & Pan tools are available in the toolbar of cross section viewer. Use it to zoom and pan
in the cross section. You can also right-click on cross section and select the zoom & pan options. For more
information on zoom & pan, refer Chapter 5

Edit & Save: You can modify the cross section’s data by entering the value in the grid provided or you can
use mouse to edit the cross section drawing by using grips. Press the Save button from the toolbar and the
Once you right click on the area sheet, popup menu is displayed using which you can copy the information
to clipboard and paste it to other software.

Browsing through sections

Buttons are provided in the toolbar to move from one chainage to other. You can go to the very first
chainage by pressing the << button. Similarly you can go to the last chainage by pressing >> button. To
move to previous chainage use < button, similarly to move to next chainage, use > button.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 14.0 Sections

You can also move to a particular chainage by directly entering the chainage in the space provided for
Chainage. If there is no chainage available, AutoPlotter will display the nearest chainage. cross section’s
information will get updated in the original data.

Note: First and last point of the cross section cannot be modified.

Print: You can print the current cross section directly using the print button located in cross section
viewer’s toolbar. For more information on printing refer chapter 12.

Save as Drawing: You can save the current cross section as a separate drawing file (APD) by choosing
Save to APD button from the toolbar.

Modifying display & use for cross section

Y Mag: Changing the value in Y Mag will magnify the Y scale of the cross section.

Txt. Ht: Entering the text height will change the text height in cross section.

Interval: The vertical scale shows elevation readings at a particular interval. You can change the interval
at which the elevation readings should appear by entering the interval.

Lock Offset: If you don’t want to change the offset values in the grid as well as in the drawing, then
checkmark Lock offset.

Lock RL: If you don’t want to change the elevation (RL) values in the grid as well as in the drawing, then
checkmark Lock RL.

Area

To see the detailed area report for the current cross section, press Area button from the toolbar. Your
display will change to show the area report for the current cross section as shown in figure 14-14

Figure 14-14: Cross Section Area Report

B: Custom Cross Sections:

1.Goto Section > Generate Cross Section.

2.A page & profile settings dialog will appear as shown in Fig 14-15. The following terms described are:

New: Click the new button to create a new page setting.

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 AUTOPLOTTER 14.0 Sections

Name: Enter a name for a page setting, for example;

if you want the profile in A0, A3, and A4 sheet sizes,
then enter a name in the name field box.

Paper Size: Select the paper size from the list.

Width and Height: Automatically the width and

height of the paper will be set on selecting the Paper
size. In case you need to change, then select User
defined in Paper size, and then enter the width and
height in mm.

Orientation: You can set the orientation of the

paper according to your requirement. Select Portrait
or Landscape depending on your plotting format. Figure 14-15: Cross Section Area Report
Save: Click the save button to save the paper
settings made. Similarly to create multiple paper
settings, follow the steps mentioned above.

Group: It is the route group created under Routes,

select the group number from the group list for which
you require the profile.

Interval: By default, CS will be plotted at 10 m

intervals, if you require CS at different intervals,
enter it here.

Complete: Select this option to plot CS for all the

chainages.

Partial: Select this option to plot CS only for a

Figure 14-16: Cross Section Area Report
certain chainage only. In the From field box, enter

the start chainage and in the To field box, enter the ending chainage

Use Template File: Checkmark this option to use a template from file. The template file will be a *.APD
format. Click the browse button to select the template file and click Open.

3. Click the Next button to continue to Table Settings dialog box as shown in figure 14-16.

The following terms in table settings are:

Group Defined: In this group, the items such as Offset, RL and Camber of individual routes will be present
here. Select the item you want to add for the table in CS.

Caption: By default it will be the name of the item selected in the group. To edit the name, click the Edit
button to modify the name. This name will be displayed in CS as specified here.Now click the OGL and
press the Save button.

To add the group items into the final table content, click the > button. To remove the items from the final
table content, click the < button. To change the order of the items in the table, select the items in the
final table content and press the ^ button.

You can also display the area items for Fill and Cut separately, provided it is defined in the Define Area
menu. See “Define Areas”

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Select the area item in the Area List box, and then click
the V button to include it in the CS display.

4. After the table settings are made, press the Next

button to continue for Display settings as shown in
figure 14-17. The following terms are described
below;

Grid Spacing: It is the spacing of the grid box on the

cross section. Enter the spacing value here.

Datum: Enter the datum level or else by default

Auto will automatically calculate the minimum level
and be used for Datum.

X Scale and Y Scale: The X scale is the Horizontal Figure 14-17: Display Settings Window
scale for Chainage and Y Scale is the Vertical Scale for Elevation. Enter the value in the format 1 : 1000.

Table Row height: It is the coordinate table row height. Enter the row height as per requirement.

Header Width: It is the spacing between the Datum line and the Table row.

Elevation Text Ht: it is the elevation values text size or text height.

Table Text ht: It is the text height for the text in table row.

Y Interval: Enter the Elevation interval to be displayed in CS.

Color: You can set color for Elevation text, Table line, Axis and Grid by clicking the color palette button.

No Grid: This is the plotting style of the CS. If donot want any lines in between the section, then select
this option.

Vertical Lines: Select this option if you require vertical lines drawn in between section.

Grid: Select this option to get grid lines on the CS. You need to specify the Grid Spacing to display the
grid lines on the CS

Header Alignment: Select the alignment of the header or caption in the table row. The options are
Vertical, Horizontal or None.

-ve Sign for Offset: By default, the offsets in the CS table will be displayed as positive values for left
and right side. If the left side offsets is to be displayed with negative values, then checkmark this option.

Display Intersections: On checkmarking this, the intersection offsets and Rl points of the FRL and
OGL line will be displayed in the CS table

Layout :

Total Rows : Enter the number of rows for which the CS is to be plotted along the X axis

Total Columns : Enter the number of columns for which the CS is to be plotted along the Y axis

Row Spacing: Enter the CS spacing along the Y axis

Column Spacing: Enter the CS spacing along the X axis

5. Click the Generate button to plot and view the Cross Section.

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14.7 Cross Sectional Areas

The cross sectional areas can be obtained between the proposed level and existing ground level present in
the Routes data. The area can also be defined for left and right side separately and be displayed along with
the CS and can also be computed between a fixed datum value and a ground level.

CS area can be obtained in 2 ways;

1. Define Area: Areas can be defined here to display along with the cross section

2. Area Report: The area sheet can be generated and saved to Excel format

14.7.1. Define Area:

Goto Section > Define Areas. A Area definition for routes window will appear as shown in Fig 14-18

Figure 14-18: Area Definition Window

Follow the steps to define area:

1.Select Group: Select the group number from the combo box. In the From Layer and To Layer list box, the
route names will appear as defined in the Routes

2.Add: Click the add button to add a field name

3.Name: Specify a name

4.Caption: The caption will display the name of the area in the CS. Enter a name here

5.Select the route items in the From Layer and To Layer for which the area is required. If area is to be
calculated for a fixed datum Rl, then select the route item in From Layer list box and in the Datum text box,
enter the Rl value.

6.Choose the option Cut Area or Fill Area

7.Select the option End to End or Fixed offset. The End to End option will calculate the area from the left toe
to the right toe. The Fixed option will allow the user to specify the offset in the Offset from & To text box.

For example: if the area is to be calculated for left and right side for fill and cut separately, then enter the
left side offset value in the From Offset text box and 0 in the To text box. Similarly enter 0 in the From Offset
and right side offset value in To text box for the right area.

8.Side Slope: Enter the side slopes for left and right in the SS Left and SS Right box. The slope can be
entered in V/H (1/1.5, 1/2, etc) or angles (30, 45, 90). If the slope is vertical, then enter 90.

9.Save: Click the save button to save the current area defined.

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Delete: To delete the existing definition, select the area item defined and click the delete button

Close the window when done

14.7.2. Area Report:

Goto Section > Area Report. A Area report window will appear as shown in Fig 14-19

Figure 14-19: Area Report

Follow the steps to calculate area:

1.Select Group: Select the group number from the combo box. In the From Layer and To Layer list box, the
route names will appear as defined in the Routes

2.Select the route items in the From Layer and To Layer for which the area is required

3.Select the option End to End or Fixed offset. The End to End option will calculate the area from the left toe
to the right toe. The Fixed option will allow the user to specify the offset in the Offset from & To text box.

For example: if the area is to be calculated for left and right side for fill and cut separately, then enter the
left side offset value in the From Offset text box and 0 in the To text box. Similarly enter 0 in the From Offset
and right side offset value in To text box for the right area.

8.Side Slope: Enter the side slopes for left and right in the SS Left and SS Right box. The slope can be
entered in V/H (1/1.5, 1/2, etc) or angles (30, 45, 90). If the slope is vertical, then enter 90.

9.Save: Click the save button to save the current area defined.

Delete: To delete the existing definition, select the area item defined and click the delete button

Close the window when done

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