Copyright: Copyright © 2003 MAPSCO inc. All rights reserved
Citation: Copyright © 2003 MAPSCO inc. All rights reserved


A Quick Run Through

 Navigating in DFW Metroplex version 3.0

  Displaying coordinates in latitude and longitude

  Adding a bookmark

 Computing distance

 Computing distance between a place name and a bookmark

 Adding a point to the base map

 Deleting a point on the base map

 Displaying point-related Information

Get Address tool

 Printing a map


Navigating in DFW Metroplex version 3.0

There are several ways to navigate in the maps:

•	Navigational arrows (8) [image] [image] [image]...

Click in the navigating zone within the map frame. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will move the on-screen map in the direction of the arrow.

•	Move Map tool

Click on the point you wish to move the map from. While holding the button down, move the mouse in the direction away from where you wish to place the map.

•	Center Map tool

Click on the map at the location you wish to make the central point of the new map.

•	Navigate using Geographical Directions tool

Click on the button on the steering wheel corresponding to the direction you want to navigate in. You can also click on the plus (+) or minus (-) signs at the wheel's center to zoom in or zoom out on the map.

•	Change Map tool

Click on the map and select the option of your choice, such as changing scale and zooming in or out.

•	Search tool

You can use the search modes: By place names, By coordinates, By bookmarks (see), By identifiers, By points, or By address to get directly to points on the maps. Click on the tab that corresponds to your choice. Once you’ve entered the information, click Go to.

Note

For other ways to navigate, go to the heading How to navigate in the map window.

Related headings:

 Adding a bookmark

 How to navigate in the map window


Displaying coordinates in latitude and longitude

Double-click on the right side of the status bar. Go to the dialog box that appears on-screen. Under the tab Display coordinates, uncheck the box Based on the map on-screen and click Apply.


Adding a bookmark

1.	Go to the map you wish to bookmark and click Add bookmark [image]. Type the name of the bookmark in the dialog box appearing on-screen and choose the property you wish to apply to it.

Notes	(1)	The Home Map property can be applied only to one bookmark per work session. It is represented by the [image] button. Clicking on it will take you directly to the map corresponding to the bookmark.

(2)	The Shared property lets you access the bookmark in all work sessions you open in DFW Metroplex version 3.0. You can reuse the same bookmark without having to recreate it for several different sessions.

2.	Validate by clicking OK. The bookmark's name will automatically appear in the session window under the tab Bookmarks.

Note	Here, you can alter the properties of a bookmark by right-clicking on it. Then go to the context menu and select the option that interests you.


Computing distance

1.	Click either Compute distance on an ongoing basis [image] or Compute distance and azimuth [image].

2.	Trace your route by left-clicking on each intermediate point of the entire itinerary.

Note	In the first case, the dialog box displays only the distance and the time. In the second, it gives the distance of the last segment you defined, the total length of all segments, and the azimuth between the last two points.

3.	To erase your route, click Reset to zero [image].

Note	Some traces may remain visible on-screen. To erase them completely, click Refresh screen [image].


Computing distance between a place name and a bookmark

1.	Click Compute distance on an ongoing basis [image]. Click Search  [image].

2.	A dialog box will open. Click on the tab By place names. Next choose the database and the family that interests you. Identify the place name of your choice, either by typing it in the Search box or by selecting it from the pulldown menu.

3.	Next click Use. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will take you directly to the map location featuring the place name you selected. It will be identified by a cross (+).

Note	You can first view the place name's location on the map by using the Go to option.

4.	Next click on the tab By bookmarks, go to the pulldown menu, and select the bookmark you added at Add bookmark.

5.	Repeat the operations in point 3. The distance is displayed in the dialog box.

Note

You can also compute the distance between place names or bookmarks only. Or between coordinates or identifiers (see How to use the Search tool for computations).

Related heading:

  How to use the Search tool for computations


Adding a point to the base map

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 comes with a bank of symbols that may be placed anywhere you like on the territory.

1.	Go to the territory you want and click Add a point [image].

2.	The dialog box Select symbols will appear. Select the symbol best representing what you want to portray. To do this, click one of the two pulldown menus and click the symbol (or symbol name) that suits you.

3.	Using your mouse, position the cursor at the location where you want to add the point represented by the symbol. Left-click to validate your choice. The symbol will appear at the spot you just clicked.

Note

You can use Search  [image] for this task. Find the point you're looking for by entering a place name, geographical coordinate, bookmark, or identifier (see How to use the Search tool to add points).

Related heading:

 How to use the Search tool to add points


Deleting a point on the base map

1.	Click Select one or more item(s) [image]. Left-click on the symbol representing the point you wish to delete.

2.	Press the right mouse button to select Delete. A dialog box will open automatically and ask you to confirm your choice.


Displaying point-related Information

Points on the maps may contain information in the form of attached images or data. To view such data:

1.	Select the point you want to get information about by clicking on it with the button Select one or more item(s) [image] (the point will then appear in reversed colors).

2.	Right-click for a pulldown menu and select the option Information.

Notes	(1)	The General tab provides general information on the point (identifier, database, and layer), its coordinates, and the geodetic reference system. This tab allows you to consult any notes associated with the point.

(2)	The Symbol tab allows you to change the way the point is represented.

(3)	The Images tab allows you to view any images attached to the point.


Get address tool

The Get address tool [image] lets you display the civic address of a point.

1.	Click on the button Get address [image] on the toolbar and the window Get address will open.

2.	Position the cursor on the map at the specific point where you want to get the address and left click. If the address of the point is available, it will automatically be displayed in the box Get address


Printing a map

There are two ways to print out maps with DFW Metroplex version 3.0. You can print an on-screen map (current map) or print a page from a Mapsco Guide. By clicking Print [image], a dialog box will appear allowing you to choose the printing option.

Notes

A cartridge will frame the printing zone on the printout or the print preview. It contains information about the base map and any additional data that may appear on this map.

Related heading:

 Print page


Right mouse button

As before, the right mouse button [image] is crucial to using the new DFW Metroplex version 3.0 interface. It will take you to a pulldown menu that lists all accessible options at the spot where you clicked (items shaded in gray aren't accessible). For instance, go to the DFW Metroplex version 3.0 map window and right-click on the border. A menu will appear with an item that enables you to navigate - i.e., by changing image in the direction you move the mouse - or scale.

Note	Most options that can be accessed using the right mouse button are also available in the menus.


Interface windows

 Map window

 Overview window

  Work session window


Map window

You can open several map windows, each with different display parameters. Navigating on the base map is also easier in DFW Metroplex version 3.0, especially with the Move Map tool.

•	Move Map tool

This new navigation mode allows you to position the base map as you like. With it, you can "build" the map of your territory on-screen. Combined with the zoom features, this tool greatly enhances navigation with DFW Metroplex version 3.0.

•	Center Map tool

Use this feature to select a point that will automatically become the center of the new on-screen image.

•	Navigational arrows

This tool appears as an arrow when the mouse cursor gets close to the frame of the map window. Using this visual aid, you can navigate in the direction of the arrow without having to resort to the Navigation context menu.

•	Zooming in and out

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 can zoom in and out, i.e., you can easily enlarge or reduce the map image.

•	Previous Map and Next Map tools

These tools offer the same mode of navigation you find on the Internet. You can display map images that have already appeared in the map window, thus allowing you to flip back and forth among the different "maps" already viewed.


Overview window

A new window called "overview" provides a general view of the map window's contents. It comes with its own navigational tools.


Work session window

The layout of the work session window has changed. Session components are now grouped under five tabs. You can also display them under a single tab called Session (see How to alter the appearance of the session window).

A feature manages the map data sets installed on your system. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 lets you use several data sources for maps (on CD-ROM or hard drive). The Map Manager heading will list the existing scales for each source. There are also features here for managing these different titles (see Map Manager).

Related headings:

  How to alter the appearance of the session window

  Map Manager


Multimedia

One advantage of integrating multimedia into DFW Metroplex version 3.0 is in the way the multimedia presentation can interrelate with the base map. While navigating in the multimedia presentation, you can select a subject or item and get its geographical position. A map window appears in the foreground, and the geographical coordinates on the map are associated with the item from the multimedia presentation. You can then go back to the multimedia presentation and continue navigating.


Computing

  Measuring and conversion units

  Computing using place names, bookmarks, coordinates, identifiers, or points

. Copying computed data to a spreadsheet


Measuring and conversion units

The various computing tools support many more measuring and conversion units.


Computing using place names, bookmarks, coordinates, or identifiers
Computing using place names, bookmarks, coordinates, identifiers, or points

A very interesting search function has been integrated into all computational tools. You can directly compare points on your maps by manually entering place names, bookmarks, coordinates identifiers, or points. You can, for instance, compute the distance between two place names or a radius between a place name and a coordinate entered either manually or with the mouse (see How to use the Search tool for computations).

Related heading:

 How to use the Search tool for computations


Copying computed data to a spreadsheet

Computations in DFW Metroplex version 3.0 can be copied to a spreadsheet, such as Microsoft Excel, and reused for other purposes. You can thus create a chart from results computed in DFW Metroplex version 3.0.

1.	Compute the distances by using Compute distance on an ongoing basis [image] or Compute distance and azimuth [image]. When done, click Properties [image].

2.	In the dialog box that appears, select the data you wish to copy and click Copy to clipboard [image].

3.	Go to the application you wish to paste the data to. Press simultaneously on the keys CTRL+V. The contents of the cells you selected will appear.


Printing

The printing module now works faster. A feature for printing directly to the printer has also been added (see Printing maps or printing zones).

Related heading:

. Printing maps or printing zones


Software

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 is a 32-bit application that uses the latest mapping components and the most recent software products available on the market.


Session files

The session file plays a very important role in DFW Metroplex version 3.0. It is the working document you'll be recording your personal information in, e.g., bookmarks, printing zones, and the consultation vectorial databases. Thus, in the new version, the session file has changed a lot, so that you can customize your way of working.


Introduction to the software

 Contents of Installation Kit

 Material you'll need

 How the work session operates

 Transfering data from the drive to the computer

 Setting up the printer

 Reinstalling some components


Contents of Installation Kit

If your DFW Metroplex version 3.0 software came as a kit, you'll have all the necessary material to use it. The kit will have one or more CD-ROMs containing:

•	DFW Metroplex version 3.0 software. It comes with a session file containing a personal database that has five layers to which you can add points and text.

•	Geographical maps of the territory you choose.

•	One or more multimedia presentations.

•	A place-name database.

•	One or more data sets.

•	A user license for DFW Metroplex version 3.0 software.

•	A user license for the map data.

•	A user's guide in electronic format.

•	A registration card.


Material you'll need

To use DFW Metroplex version 3.0 software, your computer has to meet the following requirements:

•	An IBM-compatible microcomputer with a Pentium 133 processor (or higher).

•	32 megabytes (Mb) of random access memory. If you're going to be processing a large number of vectors, a minimum of 64 Mb is recommended.

•	A minimum of 100 Mb of free space on your hard drive. Some data banks may need more.

•	A CD-ROM drive.

•	A mouse.

•	A video card that can display at least 65,000 colors or more.

•	Windows software, versions 95, 98, NT 4.0, or 2000;

•	A sound card, so you can fully enjoy our multimedia presentations.


How the work session operates

What is a work session? It’s all of the data and parameters that make up your work environment at any point in time. It contains a session window and one or more map windows. The map window’s position on-screen, the scale, and the last image you viewed will be saved in the work session file. If you quit without saving your session all the informations added will not be saved.

 How to create a session with the wizard

 How to open an existing work file

 How to save a work session

 How to close a work session


How to create a session with the wizard

When you start up DFW Metroplex version 3.0, the dialog box Open session file automatically appears.

To get the wizard to help you create a work session, check off Wizard. Follow the instructions and use <Previous and Next> to flip from one page to the next.

1.	Check off any databases you wish to include in the new session.

Notes	(1)	The personal database is the only one that comes with this software. You can add information in the form of graphic items to its five layers (see Graphic items). You can also choose symbols from a list and place them wherever you like on the different layers.

(2)	If you don't wish to use the database, uncheck the box. You'll no longer be able to add any information.

2.	Look through the predefined grids that come with the software (see Map grids) and check off the ones you wish to include in this session.

3.	Select any place names you wish to add to the ones already supplied.

4.	Choose the multimedia presentations you wish to add.

5.	Check off any point data you wish to include in the new session.

Note

You can create several work sessions with the wizard. Once you're working in DFW Metroplex version 3.0, you need only click Edit session with the wizard [image]. You will not, however, be able to edit any sessions that were not created with the wizard.

Related headings:

 Graphic items

 Map grids


How to open an existing work file

1.	In the dialog box Opensession file that appears as soon as you start up DFW Metroplex version 3.0, check off Open existing session file.

2.	Look through the list and select any session file you wish to open. Or click Browse.

Note	The files are in the Session subdirectory of the default installation directory.

3.	In the dialog box that appears, choose the directory and name of your session (extension .SVS).

Notes

(1)	DFW Metroplex version 3.0 opens the map window at the same map location you were at when the session was last saved (if the map's source has not changed). It also opens the session window with your parameters. The session file name appears in the title bar of the session window.

(2)	You can open a work session while another session is already open. Simply click Open [image] or go into the File menu.


How to save a work session

Use Save (you can also click [image] ) or Save as in the File menu. A dialog box will appear.


How to close a work session

Use Close in the File menu. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will ask whether you wish to save the session if any changes have been made.


Transferring data from the drive to the computer

Map data may be read from the map CD-ROM or the hard drive, when copying map data manually.

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 knows where to get the map data on the different removable disks. If you've copied map data to your hard drive, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will remember where to go as long as you haven't moved the data elsewhere.

If your map CD-ROM isn't in any drive or if the map data have been deleted or moved off your hard drive, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will ask for the map data location using a dialog box.

•	If you have a CD-ROM, insert it into the drive and click YES. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will automatically detect the map's source.

•	If your map data are installed on the hard drive but cannot be found by DFW Metroplex version 3.0, click NO in the dialog box. Another box will open, asking for the directory containing the map data.

•	If you click Cancel, you'll go back to where you were before the title search dialog box appeared.

 How to copy map data sets to your hard drive

 How to change map CD-ROMs


How to copy map data sets to your hard drive

You may find it useful to copy a collection of maps if you've bought several titles. You can then work on two map data sets at once and thus access a larger number of map scales without continually having to switch CD-ROMs.

Note

The data sets take up between 400 and 550 Mb on the CD-ROM. A CD-ROM may have several thousand files that make up a map data set. When copying the Mapdata directory to your hard drive, make sure you have enough disk space for the transfer. Even though your hard drive shows sufficient available space, you may still not have enough because of the type of partitioning on your hard drive.

For example, if you have FAT16 partitioning, each image file will occupy at least 32 Kb on your disk, even though the image file takes up only 10 Kb. You'll lose 22 Kb of space for each file of this size, thus tripling its effective size. Consult the Help function of your operating system for further information.

1.	Create a directory on your hard drive.

E.g.	C:\MAPSCO\DFW Metroplex version 3.0\

2.	Insert the appropriate CD-ROM into your drive.

3.	Using your mouse and the Ctrl key on your keyboard, select the directories Mapdata and Navig and the files Install.inf and "index name".dat .

Note	The last file, "index name".dat, is different for each disk.

4.	Right-click and choose the Copy option.

5.	Go into the directory you created and click Paste.

6.	Once in DFW Metroplex version 3.0, click Install data set [image] and look for the Install.inf file in the directory you've just created on the hard drive.

Note	You can also perform this installation using  Map Manager. Consult the heading How to install new data sets to find out how to proceed.

Related heading:

 How to install new data sets


How to change map CD-ROMs

If you have several map compact disks and they have each been installed (Each data set is automatically configured by the installation file or by the software itself when inserted in the CD-ROM drive), DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will ask for the disk containing the geographical sector you wish to navigate on. Each of your disks is identified by a label on top of the CD-ROM.

You can change disks even if  DFW Metroplex version 3.0 hasn't asked you to. If, however, you request a map that isn't on the disk you've inserted, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will ask you to put back the one with the region it needs.


Setting up the printer

1.	Click Print setup in the File menu. The following dialog box will appear:

2.	Scroll through the list of printers in the dialog box and select the one you wish to use.

3.	Click Properties to alter paper size, paper format (Portrait means that the page will be printed lengthwise; Landscape means it will be printed widthwise) or the color appearance.

4.	If you wish to connect to a printer, alone or in shared mode, click Network

Notes

If your printer's print parameters are computer programmable, you can alter them in this dialog box. Choose the Properties option and click the Advanced tab.

This command provides printouts with higher or lower resolution quality, on paper of different sizes and orientations. Printing time may be much longer when using high resolutions and large sizes.


Reinstalling some components

If you have to install or reinstall one or more components, please follow these steps:

1.	Restart the installation program and follow the instructions in the Read me file.

2.	Once you get to the component selection step, check off only the option you want.

3.	Continue installation as indicated in the dialog boxes.


Introduction to the software interface

 Points in common between Microsoft Windows® and DFW Metroplex version 3.0

 Toolbars

 Status bar

 GPS Receiver

 Windows


Points in common between Microsoft Windows® and DFW Metroplex version 3.0

 About the commands

 About the dialog boxes


About the commands

•	When the first letter of a menu title is underlined, you can access the menu's commands from your keyboard. Press simultaneously ALT and the key of the underlined letter to scroll through the menu.

•	When a command is followed by ellipsis points (...), a dialog box is associated with it.

•	When a command is shaded gray, it is inaccessible or you have to select something else before you can use it.

•	When a black triangle ( [image]) is to the right of a command, you can click on it and access a secondary menu. This menu will in turn offer another list of commands.

•	When a command has a checkmark () beside it, it's active. To deactivate the command, delete the checkmark by clicking on it.

•	When a combination of keys is listed to the right of a command, you can choose the command without scrolling through the menu. It's called a "hotkey."

Hotkey Examples


About the dialog boxes

The most frequently used command buttons in the dialog boxes are:

validates all data entry

cancels all data entry and closes dialog box

closes dialog box

gives access to user support software

immediately validates all changes without closing the current dialog box.

In DFW Metroplex version 3.0, you can change the dimensions of the dialog boxes or move them by using the pointer and the mouse.

Several DFW Metroplex version 3.0 dialog boxes have scrollable list boxes. The lists are marked by an arrow pointing downwards. Just click on the arrow and scroll down.

You can access text fields either by clicking with the mouse pointer or by using TAB on the keyboard.

Note

For further information on this subject, go to the Windows user's manual.


Toolbars

 List of bars and their respective buttons

 Displaying tool description

 Moving and closing toolbars

 Resizing toolbars

 Customizing toolbars


List of bars and their respective buttons

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 features six toolbars. Each has several buttons you can click on:


Displaying tool description

Place the mouse cursor on the button you'd like to know more about. A help balloon with a brief description of the tool will appear after a few moments. At the same time, a more complete description will appear in the status bar at the bottom of the screen. When appropriate, it will also tell you how to use the button.


Moving and closing toolbars

Toolbars can be placed wherever you like on the screen. Their position will be saved at the same time as the other work session parameters.

To move a toolbar, click outside one of its buttons. While holding the mouse button down, move the toolbar to the desired location and then release.

You can place the toolbar on the base map or in the side or top portions of the screen. On the base map, the toolbar takes the form of a dialog box with a closing button in the upper right corner - just click it to close the box - and a description in the title bar. If you right-click the title bar, a context menu will appear and ask whether you wish to move or hide the toolbar.


Resizing toolbars

When a toolbar is moved on the base map, you can alter the width of its dialog box - if the box has more than one button - and thus change the button layout.

Place the cursor on one border of the dialog box. When a double arrow appears, press the left mouse button and move the mouse in the direction you wish to resize the box.


Customizing toolbars

Click the Customize option in the Tools menu and select the Toolbar command. A dialog box will appear:

How to customize the toolbar display

If you want your buttons to look 3-D, uncheck the Flat buttons box. Check the same box if you want them to look flat.

How to display or hide toolbars

Go to Bars and click the box corresponding to the name of the bar you wish to hide or display. When the box is checked off, the toolbar is visible on-screen.

How to create or alter new toolbars

1.	Click the New command. A dialog box will appear. Enter the name of the toolbar in the entry field and click OK. An empty toolbar - in the form of a dialog box - will appear on the left of your screen.

2.	To add buttons to the new toolbar (or to an existing bar), click the Commands tab and choose a toolbar name in the Categories field. In the Buttons field, select the button you wish to copy.

Note	Whenever you click a button, a description of it will appear in a special field.

3.	Holding the left mouse button down, move the button you've selected to the toolbar.

Notes

(1)	To delete a button, take it back to its place of origin or simply remove it from the bar.

(2)	You can move a button from one toolbar to another. You need only select the button with the mouse and move it to its new bar.

(3)	To restore a toolbar to its place of origin, click Default.

How to rename or delete toolbars

If you wish to rename or delete a toolbar you've created, select it under Bars and enter the new name in the entry field. Or click Delete.

Note	You can only delete toolbars you've created.


Status bar

The status bar is the bar at the bottom of your screen. It continually gives two kinds of information: (a) information on the different buttons and commands you're passing your cursor over or clicking on; and (b) information on the map displayed in the active map window.

From left to right, it provides you with: (a) a description of the buttons and commands as well as advice on how to use them, (b) geodetic reference system / horizontal coordinate system, (c) coordinates; and (d) graphic scale.

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 provides advanced features for customizing the status bar with respect to most of the existing coordinate systems and geodetic reference systems. Users less familiar with these concepts should stay with the default display options.

What if you customize the different parameters and, after making the changes, have trouble displaying the coordinates you want? You need only reactivate the default parameters as outlined further on.

Note	The Coordinates and Graphic scale settings cannot be altered. The information they provide is based on the image displayed in the map window and the coordinate system you've chosen.

 Hiding or displaying the status bar

 Customizing the status bar


Hiding or displaying the status bar

In the Display menu, uncheck the Status bar option by clicking it. The status bar will be hidden. To make it visible, click the option a second time.


Customizing the status bar

Click the Customize option in the Tools menu and select the Status bar command. Or double-click the status bar. The following dialog box will appear:

•	Under the General tab, you can choose the default quadrant, the latitude-longitude symbolic system, and the measuring unit of the graphic scale. Click Apply to validate your choices. Click OK when done.

•	Under the Coordinate display tab, you can customize the horizontal coordinate system and its display unit. You can also select an additional geodetic reference system.

 How to customize the horizontal coordinate system

 How to customize the coordinate measuring unit

 How to reset status bar to its default parameters


How to customize the horizontal coordinate system

Deactivate the check box Based on the displayed map. If you know the exact name of the coordinate system you wish to use, type it into the entry field. Otherwise, click the [image] button. A dialog box will appear and list all of the coordinate systems supported by DFW Metroplex version 3.0.

•	Under the By group tab, existing coordinate systems are listed by group.

1.	Choose your group from the scrollable list by clicking on the arrow pointing downwards.

2.	If you wish to display geographical systems only (latitude-longitude), uncheck the Rectangular system (X-Y) box.

3.	To display rectangular systems only, uncheck the other box.

Note	In the list that appears under Name, the geographical system is represented by the symbol [image], and the rectangular system by the symbol [image].

•	The All systems tab lists the geodetic reference systems used around the world. For each system, the following information is specified: prime meridian, transform method, and area covered.

Select whichever system you want and validate by clicking Apply. When done, click OK. The name of the system will automatically appear in the Other coordinate systems box and be displayed on the status bar.

Note	To add either of these systems to the Personal group, check off the box at the bottom of the dialog box.


How to customize the coordinate measuring unit

In the Measuring unit field, deactivate the Default check box and select the unit you want from the list. Validate your choice by clicking Apply.


How to reset status bar to its default parameters

Check off the Based on the displayed map and Default boxes under the General tab. The horizontal coordinate system will return to that of the map displayed in the map window, and the geographical coordinates will be measured in meters.


GPS Receiver

The GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver is the device that receives signals emitted by the orbiting fixed satellites of the GPS. By triangulation, it determines the receiver's position.

 Using the software with a GPS receiver

 Mapsco GPS


Using the software with a GPS receiver

You can, for instance, use the GPS receiver to compute your position while traveling and find out where you're heading. With DFW Metroplex version 3.0, you can take the coordinates determined by your GPS, transfer them manually to the many maps provided and view your route, keep it in memory or print it out (you can just as easily transfer data from DFW Metroplex version 3.0 to your GPS). The various computing tools available in DFW Metroplex version 3.0 enable you, in particular, to compute distance and speed (see Using computing tools).

You can also add information to the maps - in the form of graphic items - at points corresponding to the coordinates determined by your GPS. First select the symbol that will best represent the point you wish to identify. Click Add a point [image]. Next, click Search [image] and, under the By coordinates tab, enter the coordinates determined by your GPS. Click Use to validate your choice. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will automatically place the selected symbol at the point, on the map, corresponding to the coordinates you've entered. You can also associate notes, images, or text with the points on the maps (see Graphic items).

Note	DFW Metroplex version 3.0 and the GPS system communicate directly with each other. To use your GPS efficiently with the software, you must configure the two interfaces so that they will use the same coordinate system for data display. Proceed as described in the section Customizing the status bar.

 How to get the GPS option

 Mapsco GPS

Related headings:

 Using computing tools

 Graphic items

 Customizing the status bar


Mapsco GPS Add-in

The Mapsco GPS is a plug-in working with our DFW Metroplex version 3.0 software. Interpreting the data plotted by the GPS receiver and using DFW Metroplex version 3.0 interface to display it, it enables the users to display their exact position on a cartographic map in real time. With this software, users are able to save tracks and routes (formed by points) on their GPS receiver and download them later on their computer. The data may be edited, or new data can be created in DFW Metroplex version 3.0, and uploaded to the GPS receiver.

Mapsco GPS is sold separately. A free 30 day evaluation version is included in DFW Metroplex version 3.0. During this period, you will be able to experience the functioning of the GPS module that will cease to operate once this time period is over. For more information on this add-in or to buy a license, consult our website at www.mapscoinc.com.

Related headings:

 Mapsco GPS


Windows

The DFW Metroplex version 3.0 interface is made up of four distinct windows:

•	A window offering an overview of the territory

•	A window displaying the open work session

•	A window providing access to the software's multimedia functional capabilities

Note	The multimedia window may not be accessible to you if your computer hasn't been configured for it. It appears only when you open a session containing a multimedia presentation.

•	A window showing a map image

 Working with the four windows

 Using the map window

 Using the overview window

 Using the session window

 Operating the multimedia window


Working with the four windows

 How to move, display or hide windows

 How to alter window dimensions


How to move, display or hide windows

The overview, session, and multimedia windows have common features. These windows can be docked, i.e., moved into the left- or right-hand portions of the application.

1.	Click on the double bar at the top of the window [image];

2.	While holding the button down, move the mouse to the place on the screen where you wish to place the window. Release the button.

Notes	(1)	If you release the window above the map window, it takes the form of a dialog box.

(2)	If you double-click on the double bar, you'll go from the window to the dialog box, and vice-versa.

By default, the left-hand portion of the application is reserved for displaying these windows. If you want the map window to take up the entire screen, you can deactivate the other display windows by clicking the following buttons:

•	Display/close the session window [image];

•	Display/close overview [image];

•	Display/close multimedia button [image].

Note

You can also do the same thing via the Display menu.


How to alter window dimensions

In the map window, several interface features can be used to change the displayed window dimensions:

To reduce a window's size, click the first button. The reduced window will appear at the bottom of the screen. To restore it, click the second button. If you need to enlarge it, click the third one. Finally, to close the window, click the last button.

In the overview, session, and multimedia windows, the interface feature for reducing or restoring windows takes the form of an arrow pointing, respectively, downward or upward.

You can also alter the size as follows:

1.	Bring the mouse cursor near the edge of one of these windows or near the vertical bar separating them from the map window until the double arrow appears on the vertical separator [image].

2.	While holding the mouse button down, reduce or enlarge the window by pulling on its border.


Using the map window

The map window is a standard type used in Windows. Only one appears when you first start up DFW Metroplex version 3.0, but you can open as many as you wish.

It displays the image of a map based on a map data source. The source is usually a CD-ROM drive, but it may also be another digital support that can contain map data (e.g., a disk drive).

Several data sources can be read by the software, thus increasing the range of geographical information that may be accessed from a DFW Metroplex version 3.0 workstation. For instance, a number of CD-ROM drives may be used by DFW Metroplex version 3.0 to provide access to a large territory, which would be spread over several compact disks.

The map image generated from a data source appears in an independent window when a new work session is created or when a saved work session is opened.

Note

Depending on the resolution of your visual display system, you can display all or part of the map window and the work session window.

 How to move the map window or alter its size

 How to navigate in the map window

 How to open a new map window


How to move the map window or alter its size

The map window belongs to the frame dedicated to it in the DFW Metroplex version 3.0 application. You cannot move it outside the.

When the map window isn't displayed in full-screen mode, i.e., when it takes the form of a dialog box, you can move it under the frame and alter its size by using the Windows resizing arrows that appear when the mouse pointer is placed on a window border or corner.


How to navigate in the map window

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 offers several navigational tools:

 Keyboard directional arrows

 Navigational arrows

 Move Map tool

 Center Map tool

 Navigating using Geographical Directions tool

 Change Map tool

 Previous Map and Next Map tools

 Empty active layer, show postal codes and Show map grid

 Search tool

 Home Map tool


Keyboard directional arrows

You can navigate by using the four directional arrows on your keyboard. To travel diagonally, press both arrows simultaneously (e.g.: , to navigate northeastward).

Note

The point of reference for navigation is the center of the image.


Navigational arrows

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 lets you move rapidly over the map in different geographical directions. If you click inside the navigation zone in the area around the map image (size: 20 pixels by default), you'll access the image immediately adjacent to the position of the mouse. For example, if the mouse is centered at the top of the screen, you can access the map image north of the current image.

Position the mouse near one of the map window borders or corners (a direction arrow [image] takes the place of the mouse cursor) and click. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will move the displayed map in the direction indicated by the arrow. The new map will be centered on the point where you clicked when the direction arrow was active.

Note

The navigational arrows remain active even when all other modes of navigation aren't.

 How to customize the navigation zone


How to customize the navigation zone

Click Customize options [image] (or go into the Tools menu) and click the Navigation tab. To increase the activation zone of the navigational arrows, click the arrow pointing upward (maximum: 40). To decrease, click the arrow pointing downward (at zero, no navigational arrow will appear).

If you've checked off the Automatic scale search box and you've come to the end of the displayed map, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will look for another map at another scale so you can keep on navigating in the same direction, if possible.

Tip

The navigating option list and the scale list may change depending on the point you click on. With the right mouse button, click successively at different places on the map image. The context menu will be "refreshed" with new options.


Move Map tool

This new mode of navigation lets you display exactly the kind of map you want. You yourself will "build" up the map and the view of the territory it shows. Combined with the zoom tools (see Zooming in or out on the displayed map), this tool greatly enhances navigation with DFW Metroplex version 3.0.

1.	Click Move map [image] or go into the Navigation menu (the cursor will display a hand).

2.	Click on the point you wish to move the map from. While holding the button down, move the mouse in a direction opposite to where the desired map is currently located. Imagine you're moving the map by "dragging" it.

3.	Release the mouse once you've got to the right point. The map is then built and displayed from this point. Repeat the operations until you get the map you want.

Related heading:

 Zooming in or out on the displayed map


Center Map tool

1.	Click Center Map [image] or go into the Navigation menu.

2.	Click on the map at the location you wish to have as the central point of the new map. The map will be recentered around the point you clicked on.


Navigating by Geographical Directions tool
Navigating using Geographical Directions tool

1.	Click on Navigate using geographical directions [image] or, in the Navigation menu, choose Navigate using geographical directions... On the steering wheel that appears, click on the button that corresponds to the direction you wish to navigate in.

2.	Click the plus (+) or minus (-) signs at the center of the wheel to zoom in or out, respectively, on the map.

Note

You can move the dialog box on the screen. It will remain on top of the other windows as long as the option has not been deactivated. To deactivate, click again on the tool or on the cross in the upper right corner of the box.


Change Map tool

This tool lets you access different navigational options, some of which have already been discussed. You need only click on the map with either mouse button. In the context menu that appears, select from among the following navigational options:

•	Center Map

This navigational tool, described above, can also be combined with the Print with cartridge tool (see How create printing zones). You can then define the central point of the printing zone.

•	Change map scales while on-screen

Choose Scale up from the scrollable menu to display a larger scale. Choose Scale down to display a smaller scale.

Note	These options are shaded gray when navigation is impossible at the point you clicked on, i.e., there are no scales immediately higher or lower, or when the map is already displayed at its real size.

•	Find out the themes and scales of the displayed map

Select the theme you want (Topography or Vegetation, for instance) using the pointer of the mouse. In the scrollable menu, click on the scale you wish to display.

Notes	(1)	Because the list of themes is built up dynamically wherever you may click, you will not always have access to several themes.

(2)	A theme designates a subject for which a map is available, e.g., topography, soil types, geology, land registration, etc. Each theme may have several scales.

(3)	The scale of a map is a ratio: the distance between two points on the map divided by the distance between the same two points on the ground. (see Scale and Basics of map scales).

•	Zooming in or out on the displayed map

Click Zoom in for a better view of the details displayed in the map window. The point you've clicked on will be the central point of the new map.

Notes	(1)	Don't confuse zooming in with changing scale. When you zoom in, the displayed map remains the same but the image pixels have been blown up to enhance your view of the graphic items and the base map.

(2)	The zoom factor goes up by a factor of two. So the first zoom will show an image twice as big as the actual image you start off with.

•	Click Zoom out for an overview of a particular region. The point you've clicked on will be the central point of the new map.

•	Click Real size to go back to the display corresponding to the map's real format, i.e., without any zoom factor.

Note	An image displayed with Real size may differ from the starting image you saw in the overview window. This happens because the starting image was defined by default with a zoom-in or zoom-out factor.

Notes

(1)	In zoom mode, all of the above navigating tools are operational.

(2)	There are several other ways to access the zoom tools. For instance, you can go into the Navigation menu or click directly on their respective buttons:     .

 How to customize the number of zoom levels

Related headings:

 How create printing zones

 Scale

 Basics of map scales


How to customize the number of zoom levels

Click Customize options [image] (or go into the Tools menu). Click the Navigation tab.

Notes

(1)	You can increase the number of zoom levels up to three for zoom in and two for zoom out. If you haven't set any zoom levels and you click on one of the three zoom options, you'll just have the normal on-screen map to navigate in.

(2)	When the Change scale box is checked off, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will adjust the on-screen map to the level of zoom you requested.


Empty active layer, show postal codes and Show map grid

1.	Click Empty active layer [image] to delete all added information on the actual active layer.

1.	Click Show map grid [image] to display or not the Mapsco Street Guide and Directory grid.

1.	Click Show zip codes [image] to display or hide the zip codes area.

Related heading:

 Empty active layer

 Show map grid

 Show postal codes


Previous Map and Next Map tools

By default, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 keeps in memory the last twenty maps you've viewed. Like the navigating functions of an Internet browser with which you can go back to pages you've already visited, the following tools will enable you to see these maps again:

1.	Click Previous map [image] to go back to maps previously displayed.

2.	Click Next map [image] to go forward and flip through the displayed maps until you get to the one displayed when you first clicked Previous map.

Note	This tool becomes active only when the Previous map tool has been used at least once.

Note

When you flip through them, the order of the maps will be linked to each of the map windows you've opened. Using these tools while navigating at the same time will change the order that the maps have been recorded in.

How to alter the number of Previous Maps and Next Maps

Click Customize options [image] (or go into the Tools menu). Click on the Navigation tab and use the arrows to specify how many Previous Maps and Next Maps you want.


Search tool

Click Search [image] or go into the Navigation menu. A dialog box will appear. Select one of the next six headings:

 Search by place names

 Search by coordinates

 Search by bookmarks

 Search by identifiers

 Search by address

 Search by Page/Grid Number


Search by place names

This option finds a specific point in the map window by using place names.

1.	Click the arrow to the right of the Database option to get the list of accessible databases. Select the one you want to go into.

2.	Next choose a family of place names from among the ones in the database you've selected.

3.	If you know a place name, enter it in the Place name field.

Note	This is the fastest method. The software makes the selection in a fraction of a second as you type.

4.	If you don't know the name or the exact spelling of the place name, use the scrollable arrows to browse through the list of place names.

5.	Click Go to. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will automatically take you to the location where the place name appears on the map.

Note	If you check off the Automatic box, you'll go straight to the location of the place name in the map window. When a place name cannot be found at the scale you've selected, a tinkling sound will be heard.


Search by coordinates

This option finds a point on a map, at the scale you wish, by using geographical coordinates.

Type the geographical or rectangular coordinates of the point you're looking for in the appropriate boxes.

3.	If you wish to change the displayed horizontal coordinate system, click the [image] button. A dialog box will appear. Select the system you'll enter the search coordinates into. Also enter the group. Press OK to validate your choice.

NoteThe system you choose will affect the format of the coordinates you'll enter. Please go to the status bar section for further information on coordinate systems (see Customizing the status bar).

4.	Enter the coordinates into the appropriate boxes. In the above example, the coordinates are in latitude and longitude and can be expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds or in decimal fractions.

5.	Click Units if you wish to alter the coordinate format. For instance, if you prefer to enter coordinates in radians instead of in degrees, just choose this unit from the scrollable menu.

6.	Click Go to to get to the point you want.

Note If the coordinates you enter are outside the territory covered by the selected theme, a message box will appear and tell you. Click OK to remove the box and use other coordinates.


Search by bookmarks

This option finds a map by using a map bookmark you've created (see How to create a map bookmark). Select the bookmark from the list and click Go to.

Related heading:

 How to create a map bookmark


Search by identifiers

This option finds points by using an identifier you've given to associated symbols or text (see Working with identifiers). Select the identifier from the list and click Go to.

1.	Click the arrow to the right of the Database option to get the list of accessible databases. Select the one you want to go into.

2.	Next choose an identifier type from the pulldown menu.

If you know the name of the identifier, enter it in the Identifier field.

Note	This is the fastest method. The software makes the selection in a fraction of a second as you type.

3.	If you don't know the name or the exact spelling of the identifier, use the scrollable arrows to browse through the list of identifiers.

4.	Click Go to. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will automatically take you to the location where the identifier appears on the map.

Note	If you check off the Automatic box, you'll go straight to the location of the identifier in the map window. When an identifier cannot be found at the scale you've selected, a tinkling sound will be heard.


Search by Page/Grid Number

With this option, you can go directly to any given Page or Grid Number in the map window.

Click the arrow to the right of the Title option to get the list of accessible Street Guides. Select the one you want to use.

Next, click the arrow to the right of the Map Number option to get the list of accessible pages. Select the one you want to go to.

Click the arrow to the right of the Grid Letter option to get the list of accessible grids. Select the one you want to go to.

Click Go to, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will automatically take you to the page/grid number you want to go.


Search by Address

This option takes you directly to an address in the map window. You can find the address by entering various criteria in the Address section.

1	In the different fields, enter information about the address you’re looking for. Only the Street field is mandatory. If this field alone has been filled in, all streets whose names contain the name you’ve entered will be displayed.

Note	The Exact spelling check box confines your search to street names whose spelling exactly matches the street name you’ve entered.

2	Click Find. Addresses that meet the search criteria will be displayed in the Search results section. If the Street field alone has been filled in, the search will return all segments of the street.

3	Click the address you want and then click Go to. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will automatically take you to the corresponding location on the map. When the search is for a street segment, the map position will be the position of the segment’s first street number.

Note	If you get a red result in the street number (#), it means that the address was not found. In this case, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 suggest you another location based on the Mapsco Guide .

4	If you want to keep a log of your address searches, you can click the LOG... button and the following box will appear;

In the Addresses Log box, you will find all addresses you reached in the actual session. These addresses will not be available in future sessions. However, you can export your addresses to get them back later. Here is the description of the Addresses Log dialog buttons :

 Switch between selected and un-selected addresses

 Delete the selected addresses

 Delete all addresses

 Import an Addresses Log file previously exported with DFW Metroplex version 3.0

 Export addresses included in the Addresses Log box

 Print the Addresses Log box

Use the [image] to reach a location immediately.


Get Address tool

The Get address tool [image] gets the address of a point on the map. You have to click on a point that can have a civic address. The accuracy of the address you get in the dialog box will depend on the maps the searches have been done on.


Show map grid

By clicking the Show map grid button [image], the user can display or hide the Austin Mapsco grid.


Show postal codes

By clicking the Show zip codes button [image], the user can display or hide the zip codes areas.


Balloon Help

The Balloon Help will supply information on items overlay on the displayed map. Those items can be visible (ex. Databases; lines, symbols or text) or invisibles (ex. adress).

Note By default, only the adresses will be visible in the Balloon Help.

How to visualize an address in a Balloon Help

Position the cursor directly over the point where you want an address and leave the cursor still  for a second or two. If the Mapsco address database covers the pointed territory, the address will be displayed in a balloon over the cursor.

Note The Balloon Help will be displayed with the use of any tool. You don’t need to select a tool in the toolbar before pointing on the map.

Related heading:

 How to change the options of the tool Balloon Help


How to change the options of the tool Balloon Help

To change the display options of the Balloon Help, use the tool Display options [image] in the toolbar and click on the tool Balloon Help.


Empty active layer

The Empty active layer tool [image] allows the user to delete all graphics items from the active layer.


Get map grid tool

This tool gets you the map grid that appears on a paper document (e.g., road atlas, map index, etc.).

Click on the map at the point where you wish to get the map grid. Under the Information tab of the Get map grid dialog box, the map grid(s) associated with the point will be displayed.

The Configuration tab lets you select the documents, if any, to be used in the search. No search will be done in paper documents that haven’t been checked off.


Home Map tool

This tool takes you back to the bookmark you've defined as home map (see How to create a map bookmark).

Related heading:

 How to create a map bookmark


How to open a new map window

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 supports map multiwindowing. You can open several map windows, each with its own display properties (scale, zoom level, etc.).

1.	Click New window [image] or go into the Window menu. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will open a new map window. Its number is given in the title bar.

2.	To go back to the previous window, click its tab. The tab is at the bottom of the map window.

Note	The tab lists the map's theme and scale.

 How to customize the layout of open windows


How to customize the layout of open windows

Click on the Window menu and choose from the following options:

•	Cascade, if you want the windows to be stacked one behind the other. Only the title bar will be visible for the windows lying underneath.

•	Horizontal and vertical tiling, if you want the map window to be split up so that all open windows can be viewed at once. The open windows are arranged either horizontally or vertically.

•	Reorganize icons, if you've moved open session windows and you wish to return the icons to their original layout, i.e., at the bottom of the map window.


Using the overview window

The overview window gives you a general view of the map window. A hatched rectangle within the overview shows the area covered by the map window. Any visual change to the map window will automatically affect the size of the coverage rectangle. This rectangle may vary according to the scale of the overview display, the scale given in the map window and, also, the size of the map window.

Note

When the map window is active, the rectangle is green.

 How to navigate in the overview window


How to navigate in the overview window

The overview window offers pretty much the same possibilities for navigation as the map window.

Note

The display scale will be that of the map window and not that of the map appearing in the overview.

 Coverage rectangle

 New Position command


Coverage rectangle

Click inside the rectangle. While holding the button down, move the mouse. Release the button once you've got to the edge of the screen or the edge of the zone you wish to display in the map window.

Note

The crosses in the overview and map windows are, respectively, the center of this zone and the center of the map.


New Position command

In the map window, this option displays an image corresponding to the point you've clicked on in the overview window.

1.	Where necessary, use the directional arrows to reach the point, in the overview window, that will be the center of the new map appearing in the map window.

2.	Once you've reached the point, right-click and, in the scrollable menu that appears, select the New position command.

Note	Once you've reached the point, right-click and, in the scrollable menu that appears, select the New position command.


Using the session window

The session window provides a visual - and hence the most direct - representation of your work session. In this window, you can not only rapidly view open databases (the same database can be opened during several independent work sessions), but also quickly access the main DFW Metroplex version 3.0 functions via different context menus.

The session files point to the same personal database. When you add to the database, the data are written to it and not to the .SVS file. The data will be taken into account regardless of the .SVS file you use subsequently. The .SVS extension file also saves the work session's geographical coordinates and scale, thus providing you with a work parameter configuration identical to what you had when you last exited the software. The session file name appears in the title bar of the session window.

Under different tabs, the session window provides the following work data:

•	Under Databases, a list of the databases you've opened during your session and a list of their components (layers, symbols, and graphic items).

•	Under Grids, a list of open grids.

•	Under Bookmarks, a list of bookmarks you've created during your session or shared with other sessions.

•	Under Printing zones, a list of printing zones you've created during your session.

•	Under Map Manager, a list of the data sets, CD-ROMs, and scales you've selected for your session.

Note	By default, Map Manager is not activated.

•	Under Point data, a list of the databases you've opened during your session.

The session window contains your work preferences in terms of selection and arrangement of the databases, the layers, the symbols, the graphic items, the grids, the bookmarks, and the printing zones.

The work data recorded in the DFW Metroplex version 3.0 active database (e.g., the points you place on layers) must be distinguished from the work parameters (e.g., the defined printing zones or the position of the last map image). The latter can be recorded in a work session file for later use. These two kinds of data function independently.

 Description of components and symbols

 Customizing the session window

 Creating a new session with the wizard


Description of components and symbols

We're providing here only a review of the various components. For more detailed explanations, consult the section of this guide on the different work tools (see Introduction to the work tools).

Symbols used in the session window

 Databases

 Grids

 Bookmarks

 Map Manager

 Point data

Related heading:

 Introduction to the work tools


Databases

This component will access all DFW Metroplex version 3.0 databases opened during your work session and their respective modules (layers, symbols, and graphic items).

 How to get information about the databases

 How to get information about a database


How to get information about the databases

In the session window, go to the Databases tab and right-click on the Databases component. In the context menu that appears, select the Properties option.

A dialog box will appear. It will contain, for each open database, the following information: its name, its type, the reference system in use, its version, its property, and its display mode.

Note

If you double-click inside one of the cells (except the cells under Visible), the dialog box containing the properties of the database in question will appear.


How to get information about a database

In the session window, go to the Databases tab and right-click on the desired database. In the context menu that appears, select the Properties option.


Grids

This component will display a grid on the map in the active map window. The grid is based on the map scales and a geodetic system of reference.


Bookmarks

This component will alter, take you to, update, or delete map bookmarks you've created and saved for future reference. The bookmarks may be shared among several sessions.


Map Manager

This component will display or hide the map data sets and themes you use in your work session.

Warning

Please access Map Manager only if you're proficient in using this software. It is an advanced function.

To use Map Manager, you must make sure it's been activated. Click Customize options [image] (or go into the Tools menu) and check off the Map Manager box in Session window.

 How to deactivate the map data sets

 How to display a component in a new window

 How to deactivate map scales

 How to install new data sets


How to deactivate the map data sets

Right-click on the data set you wish to deactivate and uncheck the Visible option.

Note

Don't deactivate all of the data sets. Otherwise, you'll no longer have access to any map. When this happens, a message will appear and ask you to insert a disk containing a data set.


How to display a component in a new window

Right-click on the data set or theme you want. Select the commands Display in a new window or Display in the active window.

Note

By default, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 always opens windows at the same location, which varies according to the scale you've clicked on.


How to deactivate map scales

Under Topography, right-click on the scale you want to hide and uncheck the Visible option. If you wish to hide everything, click Topography.

Note

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will ignore any scale you've deactivated when it searches for a scale.


How to install new data sets

Right-click Map Manager. Select the command Install data set (you can also click the [image] button). A dialog box will appear.


Point data

This component will access all databases opened during your work session.


Customizing the session window

By default, the work session window looks like this:

 How to alter the appearance of the session window

 How to display or hide the component list

 How to alter a component name

 How to alter component properties


How to alter the appearance of the session window

1.	Click Customize options [image] (or go into the Tools menu). In the dialog box that appears, select the Session window tab. The following dialog box will appear:

2.	Uncheck the box to the left of the component you want to hide. Or check it to make the component visible. If you want all data in this window to be displayed in a single display tree, check off the Display all components of the session under a single tab box.

Note	Notice that the Map Manager still has its own tab.


How to display or hide the component list

To the left of each component in the session window, there may be two check boxes you can click on:

•	The first one depicts either a minus sign (-), when the component contents are displayed (or scattered) or a plus sign (+), when hidden.

Note	If you double-click on a component name, you go from a visible mode to an invisible one, or the reverse. You can display or hide the components independently.

•	The second box tells you whether the component is visible on the base map. If so, the box is checked off and the component name is written in Roman typeface. If not, the box is unchecked and the component name appears in italics.

Note	If you uncheck a component at the top of a list (e.g., the personal database) all components that come under it (e.g., the modules) will automatically be deactivated. They will appear in italics but their check box will still have a checkmark. You can thus view what you've deactivated at any time before unchecking the component in question.


How to alter a component name

In the session window, click on the component whose name you wish to change. Press the F2 function key (you can also right-click Properties ) and enter the new name in the entry field.

Note

You cannot alter a component name at the top of a list.


How to alter component properties

In the session window, right-click on the component whose properties you wish to alter. A context menu specific to each component will appear.

Note	The options that are shaded gray aren't accessible in the current state of configuration. Depending on the software version you have, some options may never be accessible to you.

•	Visible option

When this option is activated - you'll see a checkmark before it - the components are visible on the base map. When it isn't, they're invisible.

•	All Visible and All Invisible option

When these options are activated - you'll see a checkmark before them - the data of the Layers or Symbols containers are, respectively, visible or invisible on the base map.

Note	If you use the Properties command, you'll notice that, in some cases, the visible mode is represented by an eye [image] instead of by a checkmark. The principle remains the same.

Note

For a description of other options, go to the corresponding headings in the section Introduction to DFW Metroplex version 3.0 work tools.


Creating a new session with the wizard

1.	Click Edit session with the wizard [image] or go into the File menu and choose the Wizard command, the DFW Metroplex version 3.0 wizard dialog box will appear.

Note	Use the <Previous and Next> commands to flip from one page to the next.

2.	Check any databases you wish to include in the new session.

Note	The personal database is the only one that comes with the software. It includes five layers you can add information to in the form of graphic items (see Graphic items) and a list of symbols you can place wherever you wish on the different layers. If you don't wish to use the database, uncheck the box.

3.	From the predefined grids that came with the software (see Map grids), check off the ones you wish to include in the session.

4.	Select any place names you wish to add to the ones that came with the software.

5.	Choose the multimedia presentations you wish to add.

6.	Check any point data you wish to include in the new session.

Notes

(1)	You can create several work sessions with the wizard. Once you're working in DFW Metroplex version 3.0, you need only click Edit session with the wizard [image].

(2)	You cannot edit any sessions that haven't been created with the Wizard.

Related headings:

 Graphic items

 Map grids


Operating the multimedia window

The multimedia presentations that came with the software are easy to use. Each of them operates independently within the multimedia display window. They don't use the tools used in DFW Metroplex version 3.0.

One of the advantages of integrating multimedia into DFW Metroplex version 3.0 is in the way the multimedia presentation can interrelate with use of the base map. While navigating in the multimedia presentation you may call up the geographical position of a subject or an item. The map window will appear in the foreground and its geographical coordinates are associated with the item belonging to the multimedia presentation. You can then return to your multimedia presentation and keep on navigating.

To activate the multimedia presentation, click Display/close multimedia button [image]. The presentation will open in a window with the same characteristics and resizing options as the map window. You can leave the multimedia window activated and go back to the map window via the tab at the bottom of each of the windows.


Introduction to the work tools

 Computations on the base map

 Printing maps or printing zones

 Bookmarks

 Map grids

 Layers

 Graphic items


Computations on the base map

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 offers four different computing tools. You may access them by clicking their respective buttons or by going into the Tools menu. It is possible to compute: distances on an ongoing basis (without using vectors), distance and azimuth from one point to the next, and perimeter and surface area of a closed polygon or a radius.

You can also get the value of the magnetic declination, i.e., the angle between the direction of the North Pole and the direction of the Magnetic North Pole at a given place or time - even when a computing tool is activated.

Note

The computation is based only on your computer date. The Magnetic North Pole is always moving and this causes the magnetic declination to increase or decrease over the year.

For example, if the magnetic declination in a region is 10° to the west, 10° must be added to magnetic north on the compass. If the compass says 30°, you should read 40°. Conversely, if the declination is 10° to the east, you should subtract 10° from the compass value and read 20°.

 Using the computing tools

 Using buttons associated with computing tools

 Navigating when computing


Using the computing tools

 How to compute distances on an ongoing basis

 How to compute distances and aximuths

 How to compute surface areas

 How to compute the radius of a circle

 How to display the value of magnetic declination

 How to use the Search tool for computations


How to compute distances on an ongoing basis

Click the [image] button. While holding the left mouse button down, move the cursor over the base map. A path will be drawn on the map. The distance covered and the estimated time to cover the distance will be continually updated in the following dialog box:


How to compute distances and azimuths

Press the [image] button. Click on the map at the points you wish to measure distances between. While holding the left mouse button down, you can lengthen the vector without destroying it. Or you can shorten it and move it in different directions for distance measurements, or rotate 360º to get the distance along a perimeter. The measurements appear in the following dialog box:

•	Under Azimuth, you'll find the true and reverse azimuths. The reverse azimuth runs opposite to the direction of your vector's path.

Note	The two directions differ by approximately 180° because of the convergence of meridians.

•	Under Distance, you'll find the length of the last vector you traced, the cumulative distance of the lengths of all vectors measured, and an estimate of the time to cover the cumulative distance at a constant parameterable speed.


How to compute surface areas

To create the polygon to be measured, press the [image] button and click on the map. The polygon's perimeter and surface area are given in the Computing a surface area dialog box.


How to compute the radius of a circle

Click the [image] button. Place the cursor at the center of the circle whose radius is to be measured. While holding the left button down, move the mouse in a direction. The circle that appears on the map grows larger as you move the mouse (if you move in the reverse direction, the circle will shrink). The corresponding measurements are given in the following dialog box:


How to display the value of magnetic declination

Click Magnetic declination [image] or go into the Tools menu. A dialog box will appear and indicate the position of the Magnetic North Pole in relation to the North Pole. The value is correct for the position of the mouse cursor.

Note

If you move the cursor over the map, the value of the magnetic declination will vary accordingly.


How to use the Search tool for computations

All computing tools now feature this very interesting function that uses place names, bookmarks, coordinates, identifiers, or points. You can, for instance, compute a distance between two place names, or a distance between a place name and a coordinate - which you enter either manually or with a mouse.

Note

To find out how to include these items in your computations, go to the following heading How to use the Search tool.

Related heading:

 How to use the Search tool


Using buttons associated with computing tools

The buttons described under this heading are accessible in one or more dialog boxes associated with the computing tools.

 How to specify speed

 How to display the properties of distances

 How to alter units of length, angle, and surface area

 How to reset to zero

 How to use the Search tool


How to specify speed

When computing distances, you can give the speed you'll be going at. Click Specify speed [image] and type the speed into the entry field. You can also change the unit of speed by clicking the [image] button and selecting the new unit from the scrollable list (indicated by an arrow).


How to display the properties of distances

At any time, you can get detailed information about the computations made or in progress by clicking Properties [image]. The Properties of distances dialog box (which is resizable) displays statistics about speed, time, and computed distances. You're provided with tools that can change at any time the units of measurement, speed, or angle for the points used in the computation. The units that appear in the original dialog box for your distance computations will be unaffected.

•	Go to the Speed tab and, for each vector, click to find out: distance covered by the vector, speed, time based on the speed, and cumulative time. The totals and means are at the bottom of the table.

Note	To change a speed, click inside the cell by using the F2 function key.

•	Under the Points tab, click for a list of the points that define the route. For each point, the coordinates are given in latitude and longitude.

 How to copy computations to another application


How to copy computations to another application

Computations displayed inside the cells can be copied to another application, such as a spreadsheet (e.g., Microsoft Excel), and reused for other purposes. You can thus create a chart based on data calculated in DFW Metroplex version 3.0.

1.	Click inside the first cell, while holding the left button down. Move the mouse until you form a reversed color zone (the cells will appear in black) that covers all of the data you wish to copy.

Note	You can also select an entire column by clicking on its title.

2.	Click Copy to clipboard [image] or press CTRL+C simultaneously on your keyboard.

3.	Go to the place where you wish to paste the data and press CTRL+V simultaneously. The contents of the cells will appear.


How to alter units of length, angle, and surface area

When computing, you can change the units of measurement the results are displayed in. Click Unit of length [image], Angular unit [image] and Unit of surface area [image]. Since the conversion proceeds automatically from the original unit of measurement, you can continue taking your measurements.


How to reset to zero

Click Reset to zero [image] to erase all computations and start a new path. You can also use the right mouse button and click Cancel.

Note

Some traces may remain on-screen. To erase them completely, click Refresh screen [image].


How to use the Search tool

Click Search  [image] for computations with place names, bookmarks (see How to create a map bookmark), coordinates, identifiers (see Working with identifiers), points, or address.

Note

To access this tool, you can also right-click and, in the context menu, select Search , but only after you've activated one of the computing tools described above. When you click this button, the following dialog box will appear:

1.	Click the tab corresponding to the type of data you wish to use: By place names, By bookmarks, By coordinates, By identifiers, or By Points.

2.	Select your starting point or enter it manually. Click Use. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will record this position as the starting point for the computations.

3.	Proceed the same way when selecting a second position. The computation dialog box will display the result for the positions you've entered into the system.

4.	Repeat the operation as many times as you wish. There are no limits to the number of points you can integrate into your computations.

Note

When using Search, you can also include points entered with the mouse.

Related headings:

 How to create a map bookmark


Navigating when computing

During the computing process, you can use the context menu to navigate without your computations being interrupted. Place the cursor on the map and right-click. The navigational options are: Center map, Scale down and up, Zoom in and out, Real size.

Note

For a description of these options, go to Change Map tool.


Printing maps or printing zones

There are two ways to print out maps with DFW Metroplex version 3.0. You can print the on-screen map (current map) or print a Mapsco guide page. To access the printing options, click the print button [image].


Print current map

By clicking the print button, a box will appear. To print the current map, you must select Print current map.

•	Cartridge : A cartridge will frame the printing zone on the printout or the print preview. It contains information about the base map and any additional data that may appear on this map, such as scale.

If you check Print using zoom of on-screen map, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will use the zoom of your cartographic window for the print. If don’t check it, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will print in real size, without zoom.

•	Title : The title is the name of the print. It will appear on the top of the printing output.

•	Notes : The notes are personal comments add to the print page. It appears at the bottom of the printing output.

Note	You can click the Preview button to obtain a print preview with the selected options.


Print Page

By clicking the print button, the following box will appear. To print the a page from a Mapsco Guide, you must check Print Page.

•	Cartridge : A cartridge will frame the printing zone on the printout or the print preview. It contains information about the base map and any additional data that may appear on this map, such as scale.

•	Title : The title is the name of the print. It will appear at the top of the printing output.

•	Notes : The notes are personal comments add to the printout. It appears at the bottom of the printout.

•	Guide : Choose the guide from which you want to print. This option is only available if you have at least one  Mapsco product installed on your computer.

•	Page : select the page you want to print.

Note	You can click the Preview button to have a print preview with the selected options.


Copying maps to another application

1.	Click Copy to clipboard [image] or go into the Edit menu. The map appearing in the map window will be sent to the Windows clipboard.

2.	Paste the map image into the application of your choice.


Bookmarks

With DFW Metroplex version 3.0, you can bookmark maps for later use. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will keep in memory the coordinate, the scale, the map disk, and the display parameters of the map (zoom level, center of image), thus enabling you to go back to a place on a territory you've bookmarked.

The bookmarks are displayed in the work session window under the Bookmarks tab. They're saved in the work session file.

 Using map bookmarks


Using map bookmarks

 How to create a map bookmark

 How to get a list of bookmarks you've defined and alter their properties

 How to get to a bookmark, delete it, or alter its properties


How to create a map bookmark

1.	Place yourself on the map you wish to reference with a bookmark.

2.	Click Add a bookmark [image] or go into the Tools menu.

3.	In the dialog box that appears, type the bookmark name (maximum 50 characters).

4.	Choose the property you wish to apply:

•	The Home map property can be applied only to one bookmark per work session. It is represented by the [image] button. By clicking on it, you'll go straight to the map you've bookmarked.

•	The Shared property lets you access the bookmark in all work sessions created in DFW Metroplex version 3.0. You can thus reuse the same bookmark without having to recreate it in several sessions.

5.	If you wish, associate a note with the bookmark.

6.	Validate by clicking OK. The bookmark name automatically appears in the session window under the Bookmarks tab.


How to get a list of bookmarks you've defined and alter their properties

The list of defined bookmarks is under the Bookmarks tab of the session window. To view the properties of all defined bookmarks or to alter them, right-click and select the Properties command. The following dialog box will appear:

•	Under Bookmark you'll find a list of all bookmarks you've created. To change a name, double-click on it.

•	Shared and Home map are the two possible bookmark properties. They're explained in How to create a map bookmark.

•	In Note, you can view or alter a note associated with the layer you've selected (it appears in reversed colors).

Related heading:

 How to create a map bookmark


How to get to a bookmark, delete it, or alter its properties

In the session window, right-click on the bookmark and select, from the context menu, one of the following options:

•	Go to takes you straight to the map that corresponds to the bookmark.

•	Shared and Home map are the two properties that a bookmark may have. They're described under How to create a bookmark.

•	Update lets you alter the function of a bookmark without changing its name.

•	Delete item permanently destroys the bookmark.

•	Properties accesses the dialog box you used to create the bookmark.

Related heading:

 How to create a map bookmark


a. Longitude grid ticks (coordinates in degrees and minutes)

In this example, the starting coordinate is in the top left corner (79 degrees 16 minutes). It is always in degrees and minutes. The other coordinates are in seconds only (unless the value is 00; in which case, the minutes are also given). The values decrease as you go east until you get to the Greenwich Meridian. The grid ticks are spaced one minute apart at a scale of 1/50,000.

No latitude-longitude grid appears on the base map. The grid ticks are provided as geographical benchmarks.


b. UTM-NAD83 grid coordinates (in meters)

Each one is a Y axis coordinate (the ordinate), i.e., the Y coordinate of an X,Y coordinate pair for one point on the map.

Because of space limitations, only the two digits representing the tens of thousands are shown (for example, if the starting coordinate in the lower left-hand portion of the map is 5,263,000, the values you see are respectively 5,268,000, 5,269,000, and 5,270,000). At 1/50,000, the UTM grid lines are spaced 1,000 meters apart and the coordinate values increase as you go north.


c. X axis (abscissa) UTM grid

The values along this axis increase as you go east. At a scale of 1/50,000, the grid lines are spaced 1,000 meters apart and provide the X coordinate of a point identified by an X,Y coordinate pair.


d. Y axis (ordinate) UTM grid

The values along this axis increase as you go north. At a scale of 1/50,000, the grid lines are spaced 1,000 meters apart and provide the Y coordinate of a point identified by an X,Y coordinate pair.


Interpreting the axes and coordinates of point 2

For more information, click one of the letters.


a. UTM-NAD83 grid coordinate (in meters)

The one you see here is for the Y axis (ordinate), i.e., the Y coordinate of a point identified by an X,Y coordinate pair.

The starting Y coordinate is given in full (5,263,000 meters). From here up, because of space limitations, only the two digits representing the tens of thousands are given (for example, if the starting coordinate in the lower left-hand portion of the map is 5,263,000, the next value you see is 5,264,000). At 1/50,000, the UTM grid lines are spaced 1,000 meters apart and the coordinate values increase as you go north.


b. UTM-NAD83 grid coordinates (in meters)

The one you see here is for the X axis (abscissa), i.e., the X coordinate of a point identified by an X,Y coordinate pair.

The starting X coordinate of the grid is given in full (631,000 meters). The values increase as you go east and only the two digits representing the tens of thousands are given (for example, if the starting coordinate in the lower left-hand portion of the map is 631,000, the next value you see is 632,000). At 1/50,000, the UTM grid lines are spaced 1,000 meters apart.


Interpreting the axes and coordinates of point 3

For more information, click "a".


a. Latitude grid ticks (coordinates in degrees and minutes)

In this example, the starting coordinate is in the bottom right corner (47 degrees 30 minutes). It is always in degrees and minutes. The other coordinates are only in seconds (unless the value is 00, in which case the minutes are also given). The values increase as you go north (from the equator) and, at a scale of 1/50,000, the grid ticks are spaced one minute apart.

No latitude-longitude grid appears on the base map. The grid ticks are provided as geographical benchmarks.


Example of a map printed at a scale of 1/250,000

To learn more about axes and coordinates, click one of the points (1, 2, or 3).


Interpreting the axes and coordinates of point 1

For more information, click "a".


a. Longitude grid ticks (coordinates in degrees and minutes)

In this example, the starting coordinate is in the top left corner (70 degrees 20 minutes). It is always in degrees and minutes. The other coordinates are only in seconds (unless the value is 00, in which case the minutes are also given). The values decrease as you go east until you get to the Greenwich Meridian. At a scale of 1/250,000, the grid ticks are spaced five minutes apart (the second coordinate is therefore 70 degrees 15 minutes).

No latitude-longitude grid appears on the base map. The grid ticks are provided as geographical benchmarks.


Interpreting the axes and coordinates of point 2

For more information, click one of the letters.


a. UTM-NAD83 grid coordinates (in meters)

The one you see is the Y axis coordinate (ordinate), i.e., the Y coordinate of a point identified by an X,Y coordinate pair.

The starting Y grid coordinate is given in full (5,320,000 meters). From that point on, because of space limitations, only the two digits representing the tens of thousands are given (for example, if the starting coordinate in the lower left-hand portion of the map is 5,320,000, the next value you see is 5,330,000). At 1/250,000, the UTM grid lines are spaced 10,000 meters apart and the coordinate values increase as you go north.


b. UTM-NAD83 grid coordinates (in meters)

The one you see is the X axis coordinate (abscissa), i.e., the X coordinate of a point identified by an X,Y coordinate pair.

The starting X grid coordinate is given in full (400,000 meters). The values along this axis increase as you go east and only the two digits representing the tens of thousands are given (for example, if the starting coordinate in the lower left-hand portion of the map is 400,000, the next value you see is 410,000). At 1/250,000, the UTM grid lines are spaced 10,000 meters apart.


c. Y axis (ordinate) UTM grid

The values along this axis increase as you go north. At a scale of 1/250,000, the grid lines are spaced 10,000 meters apart and provide the X coordinate of a point identified by an X,Y coordinate pair.


d. X axis UTM grid

The values along this axis increase as you go east. At a scale of 1/250,000, the grid lines are spaced 10,000 meters apart and provide the X coordinate of a point identified by an X,Y coordinate pair.


Interpreting the axes and coordinates of point 3

For more information, click "a".


a. Latitude grid ticks (coordinates in degrees and minutes)

In this example, the starting coordinate is in the bottom right corner (48 degrees 00 minute). It is always in degrees and minutes. The other coordinates are only in seconds (unless the value is 00, in which case the minutes are also given). The values along the axis increase as you go north (from the equator). At a scale of 1/250,000, the grid ticks are spaced five minutes apart (the second coordinate is therefore 48 degrees 05 minutes).

No latitude-longitude grid appears on the base map. The grid ticks are provided as geographical benchmarks.


Layers

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 comes with a personal database that contains five layers in which you can organize information you wish to add to the base map. The layer contains all graphic items that have attached information. Any piece of information created with DFW Metroplex version 3.0 must be assigned a specific layer.

Note

You can add information only to an active layer, which is highlighted in bold in the session window (the first layer is active by default).

 Displaying and arranging layers


Displaying and arranging layers

The layers are displayed in the session window under the Databases tab. The order that the layers appear in, in a list, will affect the order of display, on the base map, of the graphic items belonging to each of the layers.

The layers work like acetates on an overhead projector. The items in the last layer of the list will be the first ones drawn on the base map, the items in the next layer up will be added on top, and so on.

 How to display or hide layers on the base map

 How to change the order of layers


How to display or hide layers on the base map

In the session window, go to the Databases tab and uncheck the box next to the layer you wish to hide. Check the box off to display it.


How to change the order of layers

In the session window, click on the layer you wish to move. While holding the mouse button down, slide your selection to the desired place in the list. An icon showing a blank page and a blue line will appear during the operation.

Note

It isn't the numbers of the layers that change but rather the order of appearance of the layers in the list.


Using the layers

 How to activate a layer or change the active layer

 How to activate the layer of a graphic item

 How to get a list of the layers and alter their properties

 How to empty a layer or alter its properties


How to activate a layer or change the active layer

In the session window, go to the Databases tab and right-click on the layer you wish to make active. In the context menu that appears, select the Active layer.

Note

When a checkmark is next to this option, the layer is active. Otherwise, it's inactive. If the active layer changes, the order of the layers still remains the same.


How to activate the layer of a graphic item

1.	How to activate the layer of a graphic item

2.	Click Activate a layer [image] or go into the Tools menu. The layer that contains the graphic item will automatically become active. In the session window, a checkmark will appear next to it.

Note	If the layer containing the selected item is already active, the button is shaded in gray.


How to get a list of the layers and alter their properties

In the session window, go to the Databases tab, right-click on the Layers item of the desired database, and select the Properties option. A dialog box will appear.

•	Layer name lists the name given to each layer when created. To change a layer name, press the F2 function key and type the new name, or double-click on the name.

•	If an eye appears under Visible, the graphic items in the layer will be displayed on the base map. Click on the cell to take the layer from visible status to invisible status.

•	When an arrow appears under Selection, the graphic items belonging to the layer in question may be selected using the selection tools. Click on the cell to deactivate this mode.

•	If a pencil appears under Edit, you can add, alter, or erase the information on the layer in question. Click on the cell to deactivate this mode.

•	Lower bound of interval and Upper bound of interval define respectively the minimum interval below which the layer will no longer be visible and the maximum interval above which the layer will no longer be visible.

For example, for a minimum interval of 1/50,000 and a maximum interval of 1/2,000,000, no graphic item belonging to this layer will be visible at a scale from 0 to 1/49,999 or above1/2,000,000.

•	Line and Polygon list the attributes associated with the layer. To alter them, double-click inside their respective cells.

•	Note lets you view or alter a note associated with the layer you've selected (which will appear in reversed colors).


How to empty a layer or alter its properties

In the session window, go to the Databases window and right-click on the layer you want. In the context menu that appears:

1.	Select the Empty the layer option if you want to erase all items in the layer permanently (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice will appear).

2.	Select the Properties option, if you wish to alter the layer's properties. The following dialog box will appear:

•	The General tab lets you alter or add the following items:

-	layer's name (maximum 19 characters).

-	interval of visibility.

The interval corresponds to the smallest scale and largest scale at which you want the vectors to be displayed on the layer. At smaller or larger scales, the vectors won't appear.

This function keeps the system from drawing items (vectors, points, or text) if they cannot be distinguished at that scale. For example, vectors visible at a scale of 1/50,000 will be useless at a scale of 1/8,000,000.

Note	To add points or text to a layer, you have to place yourself at a scale corresponding to the interval of visibility defined for the layer. The information won't be visible outside this interval.

-	the layer's mode (options Visible, Edit, and Selection).

When the Edit box isn't checked off, the graphic items on the layer cannot be either moved or altered.

When the Selection box is checked off, the items cannot be selected with the selection tools. It isn't possible to delete them or get the information associated with them.

-	a descriptive note.

•	The Line tab lets you alter the vector visual attributes, i.e., the path's style, thickness, and color. The results can be viewed in View before printing.

•	The Polygon tab lets you alter the polygon visual attributes, i.e., the polygon's style, type, and color. The results can be viewed before printing in the rectangular window located in the lower right-hand portion of the dialog box.

-	The Foreground and Background options define, respectively, the color of the polygon's surface, when the Transparent box is checked off, and the background color of the polygon, when the type is opaque.

Note	When the Transparent option is selected, the background color is inactive.

-	The Transparent and Opaque options can make the background transparent or opaque when a foreground pattern is being chosen.

For example, if you've chosen a hatched style and the Opaque box is checked off, the foreground pattern will be superimposed and the background map color will be hidden. Otherwise, the base map will remain visible underneath the pattern.


Graphic items

You can add six different kind of graphic items to the maps that comes with DFW Metroplex version 3.0. These items can be placed wherever you wish on the different layers that come with the software (see Layers). They’re kept in the session window under the Databases tab.

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 lets you select the graphic items you want to see on the printed maps. For example, you can hide all of the points of all of the layers you've selected and just work with text. Or you can display just the points. You can also display or hide all three at the same time, or alter their order of display.

Note

If you deactivate only the points of the active database, the points of other databases will still be visible.

 Using symbols

 Working with points

 Using text

 Working with lines

 Working with polygons

 Working with point data

 Displaying and arranging graphic items

 Adding information to graphic items

Related heading:

 Layers


Using symbols

A symbol is a visual representation of a point. A point, unlike a symbol, has geographical coordinates with information attached. Each point has a symbol associated with it.

The symbol library that comes with DFW Metroplex version 3.0 provides you with a list of symbols. You can choose the ones that best represent the point you wish to identify on the map. You can also alter their name if need be. The library is copied to the hard drive in the Data\Symbol subdirectory.

 Working with symbols


Working with symbols

 How to add symbols to the database

 How to create your own symbols

 How to get a list of symbols or alter their properties

 How to delete a symbol or alter its properties


How to add symbols to the database

1.	In the session window, go to the Databases tab and right-click the Symbols option.

2.	In the context menu that appears, select the Add symbols option. The following dialog box will appear:

3.	A scrollable menu will appear when you click the arrow to the right of the Look in field. Choose the drive and directory containing the symbol files you wish to use.

4.	Next select the type of file.

Note	DFW Metroplex version 3.0 accepts only image files with .BMP extensions. Please use only symbols with 16 colors at most. Symbols with over 16 colors won't be correctly represented when displayed on the base map.

5.	Click on the symbol you've chosen. The View button, which is shaded gray, will become active. Press this button to make the name appear (you can alter the name by typing a new one in the entry field) and to display the visual representation of the symbol.

Note	If you want to view the symbol automatically once it's selected, check off the Automatic view box.

6.	Click Note to jot down any information about your symbol.

7.	To validate your choice, click Add. The symbol is automatically added to the list of symbols in the session window.


How to create your own symbols

You can use the Paintbrush application, or any other Windows drawing application, to create a symbol or to alter its visual representation. The following advice will help you create symbols on your own and then import them into DFW Metroplex version 3.0.

1.	In Accessories, start the Paint application.

2.	Select the Attributes option in the Image menu. In the dialog box that appears, specify the following values:

Width:	32

Height:	32

Units:	pixels

Color look-up table:	colors

3.	Use the Zoom option in the Display menu to enlarge the workspace.

4.	Use the tools at your disposal to draw your symbol.

5.	Save the file with the 16 color Bitmap option in the Save as dialog box.


How to get a list of symbols or alter their properties

In the session window, go to the Databases tab and right-click the Symbols item of the database you want. In the scrollable menu, select Properties option. The following dialog box will appear:

•	Symbol name lists the name of all symbols that came with this database or have been added to it. To alter the name of a symbol, click inside the cell, press the F2 function key and type the new name.

•	If an eye [image] appears under Visible, the symbol will be displayed on the base map. Click inside the cell to take the symbol from visible to invisible status.

•	Symbol lists all symbols in the database.

•	Note associates a note with a symbol or alters an existing note.

Note

If you double-click on the name of a symbol or on its visual representation, the Symbol properties dialog box will appear automatically. This box is illustrated and described in the next point.


How to delete a symbol or alter its properties

In the session window, go to the Databases tab and right-click on the symbol you wish to delete or alter. In the context menu that appears:

1.	Select the Delete item option if you wish to delete the symbol permanently and, consequently, all points represented by this symbol (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice will appear).

Note	You can also use the Delete selection [image] button or Del on your keyboard.

2.	Choose the Properties command if you wish to alter its properties. The Symbol properties dialog box will appear.

Several options are available:

•	change the symbol name by typing the new name into the entry field

•	alter the note associated with the symbol or add a note

•	make the symbol visible by checking the Visible box, or make it invisible by unchecking it

•	change the symbol by clicking the Alter button.


Working with points

 How to add points to maps

 How to move or delete a point

 How to alter the representation of a point

 How to select serveral points at a time


How to add points to maps

1.	In the session window, activate the layer you wish to add a point to.

2.	Click Add a point [image] or go into the Tools menu. The following dialog box will appear.

3.	Select the symbol you wish to associate with the point, either by selecting its name from the scrollable menu (above) or by clicking on its image in the display list (below).

4.	Click on the map at the place where you wish to place the point. The symbol you choose will appear wherever you click.

Note	You can associate a text with a symbol. You must right click on the map before the point 4 and make sure that Associate text with point is checked.

The text entered this way can be put at different places around the symbol. You can modify its location by selecting the symbol and click Information [image]. The position of the text is on the Symbol tab

 How to use the Search tool to add points


How to use the Search tool to add points

This tool not only takes you straight to any points on the map (see Search tool) but also associates a symbol with them automatically. When you click this button, a dialog box will appear:

1.	Click the tab corresponding to the search mode you wish to use to get to the point you’re looking for: By place names, By bookmarks (see How to create a map bookmark) By coordinates, By identifiers, By points, or By address.

2.	Select the piece of information or enter it manually. Click Use. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will place the symbol directly at the place that corresponds, on the base map, to the search result.

Related headings:

 Search tool

 How to create a map bookmark


How to move or delete a point

Click Select one or more item(s) [image]. Click on the point you wish to move or delete (it will appear in reversed colors):

1.	If you wish to move the point, hold the mouse button down, slide the point to its new position and release the button.

2.	If you wish to delete it, right-click and go to the context menu that appears. Select the Delete command (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice will appear).

Note	You can also use the Delete selection [image] button or Del on your keyboard.


How to alter the representation of a point

1.	Click Select one or more item(s) [image]. Click on the point you wish to alter in terms of the way it's represented (the point will appear in reversed colors).

2.	Press the right mouse button. Go to the context menu that appears and select the Information option. In the dialog box that appears, click the Symbol tab.

3.	Change the way the point is represented either by selecting a new name from the scrollable menu or by clicking on a new image in the display list.


How to select several points at a time

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 offers you four tools that can select several points at a time. You can:

•	select one or more item(s) [image] by holding down Shift on your keyboard and by clicking successively on the points you want.

•	select points forming a circle [image] by clicking on the map. While holding the button down, move the mouse until all of the points you want are included in the circle.

•	select points forming a polygon [image] by clicking successively on the map until you include all points you want in the polygon.

•	select points forming a rectangle [image]  by clicking on the map. While holding the button down, move the mouse until all of the points you want are included in the rectangle.

 How to delete the points you've selected

 How to get information about the points you've selected


How to delete the points you've selected

To delete the points you've selected permanently, right-click and, from the context menu that appears, choose the Delete option (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice will appear).

Note

You can also use the Delete selection button [image] or Del on your keyboard.


How to get information about the points you've selected

To get information about the points you've selected, click Display information [image], or right-click and click the Information option. A dialog box will automatically appear.

The dialog box contains all of the points you've selected. It gives for each point the following information: the name of the symbol that represents it, any identifier it may have (see How to create an identifier), its coordinates, and the geodetic reference system in use.

As well, the dialog box provides access not only to the note and the images associated with the points but also to other functions.

Note	If you double-click inside any of the cells, the Information (about a point) dialog box will automatically appear.

•	Click the Angular unit [image] button and choose, from the scrollable menu that appears, a new unit of angular measurement.

•	Click the Points chart [image] button to display the corresponding dialog box. Check off the box that corresponds to the way you want to represent the statistics:

By sectors displays statistics on the points, i.e., how many points share the same symbol in absolute numbers and as a percentage of all points selected.

Histogram gives the same statistics but presents them differently, i.e., in columns.

•	Click the Display information [image] button to display the Information dialog box (see How to get information about a graphic item).

•	Click the Locate point [image] button on the map to go straight to the point on the map. In the overview window, a cross marks its exact location on the map.

•	Click the Copy to clipboard [image] button to send the data displayed in these cells to the clipboard. The data may be pasted to another application and used for other purposes.

Note	You can select an entire table by clicking on one of the titles.

Related headings:

 How to get information about a graphic item


Using text

In DFW Metroplex version 3.0, you can add text with different attributes to the base map. The text is georeferenced - its position and attributes are kept in the work database - and may be viewed at different scales. To work with text, you first have to open a database in which at least one work layer is selected (see How to activate a layer or change the active layer).

The text is displayed with the same color as that of the layer it's been placed on. So, just by looking, you can tell which layer a text has been placed on. By default, the text and the layer are set to the same background color. The color of either the layer or its background can be altered directly from the session window.

 How to add text

 How to move or delete text places on the maps

 How to alter text placed on the base map

Related heading:

 How to activate a layer or change the active layer


How to add text

1.	In the session window, activate the layer you wish to place text on.

2.	Click Add text [image] or go into the Tools menu. The Font selection dialog box will appear:

3.	Choose the font and character size, the style (bold, italic or underlined), the justification (left, center, or right) and the color attributes (foreground, background and box).

4.	Click on the map at the place where you wish to place the text. In the white rectangle that appears at the place where you've clicked, type your text.

Note	You can enlarge or shrink the size of the rectangle by placing the cursor on one of its corners (a double arrow will appear). While holding the mouse button down, pull the rectangle's corners in either direction, depending on whether you want to enlarge or shrink. The text layout is altered accordingly.

5.	Next, click anywhere on the map to display your text on it. Another rectangle will appear. If you don't wish to write another text, close the dialog box and the rectangle will disappear automatically.

Note	You can also use the Accept [image] button in the Select font dialog box.


How to move or delete text placed on the maps

Click Select one or more item(s) [image]. Click on the block of text you wish to move or delete (it will appear in a white rectangle):

1.	To move the text, hold the mouse button down and slide the text to wherever you wish to place it. Release the button.

2.	To delete the text, right-click and, from the context menu that appears, select the Delete command (a dialog box will appear and ask you to confirm your choice).

Note	You can also use the Delete selection [image] button or Del on your keyboard.


How to alter text placed on the base map

1.	In the session window, activate the layer that contains the text you wish to alter.

2.	Click Add text [image] or go into the Tools menu.

3.	Select the text you wish to alter and make the changes by using the context menu that appears when you right-click inside the rectangle.


Using circles

1	In the session window (Databases tab), right-click on the layer on which you want to add a circle and select Active; a checkmark appears to the left of the command.

2	Click Add a circle [image] (Tools menu).

3	On the base map, the first place you click become the center of the circle you draw. Then click a different place on the map to define the radius of your circle.


Using rectangles

1	In the session window (Databases tab), right-click on the layer on which you want to add a rectangle and select Active; a checkmark appears to the left of the command.

2	Click Add a rectangle [image] (Tools menu).

3	Click on the base map to define the first corner of the rectangle. Then click a different point on the map to choose the opposite corner.


Using polygons

1	In the session window (Databases tab), right-click on the layer on which you want to add a polygon and select Active; a checkmark appears to the left of the command.

2	Click Add a polygon [image] (Tools menu).

3	Click on the base map to start the polygon. Then click at different points on the map to draw the polygon. To close the polygon, click a point close to the starting point.


Using lines

1.	In the session window (Databases tab), right-click on the layer on which you want to add a line and select Active; a checkmark appears to the left of the command.

1.	Click Add a line [image] (Tools menu).

1.	Click on the base map to start the line. Then click at different points on the map to draw the line.

1.	Press the right button of your mouse and select, in the contextual menu that appears, the Accept option, if you want to confirm the line, the Cancel option, if you want to start again.


Move a line, a circle, a rectangle or a polygon

Click Select one or more graphic item(s) [image]. Next click on the element you wish to move. Click again on the element. Holding the button of your mouse down, move the cursor in the direction you want.


Delete a line, a circle, a rectangle or a polygon

Click Select one or more graphic item(s) [image]. Next click on the element you wish to delete. A dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears.


Display line creation properties

Click Select one or more graphic item(s) [image]. Next click on the line (it appears in reversed colors). Click the right button of your mouse and, in the contextual menu that appears, select Properties... The following dialog box appears:

-	Under Snap type, check off the box corresponding to the type you are looking for. Indicate at how many pixels you wish the snap zone to be active. Specify if you want that to be applied Only to the active layer or To all layers.

-	If you check off On points, when you will use the Add line tool, as soon as the cursor of your mouse will get at less than X pixels of a line, it will automatically snap on that point.

-	If you check off On lines, when you will use the Add line tool, as soon as the cursor of your mouse will get at less than X pixels of a line, it will automatically snap on that line.

-	Under Line creation confirmation, check off the box corresponding to the way you wish to be alerted : by a sound warning or by a dialog box.

Note	To access this information, you can also click Display options [image] (Tools menu) and, in the dialog box that appears, click the Line creation tab.


How to get information about a line, a circle, a rectangle or a polygon

1	Click Select one or more item(s) [image]. Click on the element you wish to get information about (it will appear in reversed colors).

2	Click Display information [image] or press the right mouse button and, in the context menu that appears, select the Information option. The following dialog box will appear:

•	The General tab lists the following information:

-	the identifier of the element, if an identifier has been assigned to it

-	the name of the database the element was created in

-	the layer containing the element

-	in the Information field, the length of the element and the number of points it has

Note	Click the [image] button to change the unit of length.

-	any note associated with it

•	the Points informations tabs specifies the geodetic reference system in use and the geographic coordinates of the different points that make up the element.

Note	Click the [image] button to change the angular unit.

Click Copy to clipboard [image] to send the data displayed in the cells to the clipboard. The data can be pasted to another application for use in other purposes.

Note 	To select several cells at once, click on the first cell. While holding the mouse button down, slide your cursor until you’ve selected all of the cells you wish to copy.

•	The Line attributes tab allows you to modify the edge of the selected element. It contains the following informations:

-	Line style (dash or not)

-	Line color. You can specify the color with a combination of red, green and blue or click Other... to access the color box.

-	Line weight from 1 to 15.

Under the Pattern attributes tab, You will be able to modify the frame of a closed element, such as rectangle. It contains the following informations:

-	Pattern style

-	Pattern color (foreground and background). You can create the color with a combination of red, green and blue or click Other... to access the color box.

-	Pattern type (transparent or opaque)

Under the Images tab, you can view any image that’s associated with the line you’ve selected.


How to get information about several lines

Select the lines then click Information [image], or right-click and, in the contextual menu that appears, click the Information option. A dialog box appears:

The Line tab contains all the lines you’ve selected. It gives for each line the following information: any identifier it may have, the geodetic reference system in use, the number of points each line contains, and the length of each line.

•	Click the [image] button to choose, from the scrollable menu that appears, a new unit of length.

•	Click the Locate graphic item on map [image] 1	 button on the map to go straight to the line on the map. In the overview window, a cross marks its exact location on the map.

•	To copy the cell data into another application, select the cells and click Copy to clipboard [image] or press CTRL+C simultaneously on your keyboard. Next go to the application you wish to paste the data and press CTRL+V simultaneously. The contents of the cells you’ve selected automatically appears.

Note	To select several cells at once, click on the first cell. While holding the mouse button down, slide your cursor until you’ve selected all of the cells you wish to copy. You can select an entire table by clicking on one of the titles.

Related heading:

 How to select several points at a time


How to get information about several polygons

Select the polygons then click Information [image], or right-click and, in the contextual menu that appears, click the Information option. A dialog box appears:

0	The Polygon tab contains all the polygons you’ve selected. It gives for each polygon the following information: any identifier it may have, the geodetic reference system in use, the number of points each polygon contains, the perimeter and the Aera.

•	Click the [image] button to choose, from the scrollable menu that appears, a new unit of length.

•	Click the Locate graphic item on map [image] 1	 button on the map to go straight to the line on the map. In the overview window, a cross marks its exact location on the map.

•	To copy the cell data into another application, select the cells and click Copy to clipboard [image] or press CTRL+C simultaneously on your keyboard. Next go to the application you wish to paste the data and press CTRL+V simultaneously. The contents of the cells you’ve selected automatically appears.

Note	To select several cells at once, click on the first cell. While holding the mouse button down, slide your cursor until you’ve selected all of the cells you wish to copy. You can select an entire table by clicking on one of the titles.


Working with notes and images

Click Select one or more item(s) [image] and click on the graphic item you wish to link the information to.

 How to link or consult a note

 How to link or view an image

 How to delete images from the list

 How to get information about a graphic item


How to link or consult a note

1.	Click Display information [image] or press the right mouse button. A context menu will appear. Select the Information option and, in the dialog box that appears, click the General tab.

2.	In the Note zone, type the text of the note you wish to associate with the graphic item. Or you may alter the text if one is already there.


How to link or view an image

1.	Click Display information [image] or press the right mouse button. A context menu will appear. Select the Information option and, in the dialog box that appears, click the Images tab.

2.	Click the arrow to the right of the word File (the default file is the one currently in use). A scrollable menu will appear. Select the location of the file containing the image you wish to link to the graphic item.

Note	DFW Metroplex version 3.0 supports a very large number of different formats (JPEG, PNG, TIF, FlashPix, BMP, PSD, WMF, etc.)

3.	Select the image you want and check off the Preview box to view it.

Note	You can alter image display by using the following buttons:

-	Display the overview, to get a general view of an image and, also, to select the zone of visibility of an image when the image doesn't fit entirely within the display window.

To do this, use the red rectangle by placing it over the portion of the image to be viewed. The panoramic function is very useful when the image is large or when you use zoom in.

-	Entire image, to adjust the image display to the size of the display window. The display window may be enlarged as you see fit.

?	Real size, to display the image in its real size (1/1 ratio).

4.	Click Add/delete [image]. A dialog box will appear. Click Add to add images to the list.


How to delete images from the list

Select the image you want to remove and click Delete.

Note

The link between the file and the graphic item will be deleted, and not the file itself.


How to get information about a graphic item

1.	Click Select one or more item(s) [image]. Click the item you wish to get information about (the item will appear in reversed colors).

2.	Click Display information [image] or press the right mouse button. A context menu will appear. Select the Information option. In the dialog box that appears, click the General tab.

Under this tab, you'll find much useful information about the graphic item:

•	The name of the database it was created in

•	The layer that contains it

•	Its geographical coordinates

•	The geodetic system of reference in use

Note	(1)	Click the [image] button to change the angular units.

(2)	Here, you can also add or alter a note associated with the point and type an identifier for the point (maximum 19 characters) or change identifier.


Glossary
 Alias

 Azimuth (true)

 Bathymetry

 Chain

 Chain of vectors

 Data source

 Databases

 *Datum

 Declination (magnetic)


Alias

a) In standard databases, an alias is a nickname you give to a directory containing the files you wish to access.

b) In SQL databases, you must define alias properties, such as user name, server name, open mode, or language of the communications handler. Once an alias has been defined, the client application can use it in the same way that it uses the alias of a standard database.


Azimuth (true)

Angle between geographic north and the line of sight to a point, measured from 0 to 360 degrees clockwise. Azimuth and distance go together when one calculates the direction and the distance of a route represented by a straight line between two points.

For example, to go from point A to point B on a map, you first have to find the azimuth of the direction AB.


Bathymetry

Charting of ocean depths and the ocean floor.


Chain

Linear structure made up of one or more vectors and marked off at the ends by a node.


Chain of vectors (also Polyline)

Geometric entity made up of a succession of lines perfectly connected to each other at their ends.


Data source

Data a user wishes to access and the information needed to gain access to the data. A directory containing dBase files is an example of a data source.


Databases

Structured body of information that can be used in different applications.


*Datum
*Datum (see Geodetic reference system)


Declination (magnetic) (also angle of declination)

Angle between the direction of magnetic north and the direction of true north, expressed in degrees and minutes measured east or west from true north.

Note

To find the approximate time of arrival at your destination, you must take an accurate bearing with your compass while adjusting for the declination. You can now calculate the distance and the time you need to get there.


 Geodetic reference system

 Geographic distance

 Geographic north

 Geographic position

 Geographical coordinates

 Georeference

 GPS

 Grid

 Grid coordinate system

 Hemisphere

 Horizontal coordinate system


Geodetic reference system

Reference system obtained by positioning a geometric volume (usually an ellipsoid) that best fits the real shape of the earth.

Note

The conventions that define the geodetic reference system are the values attributed to the semi major axis, to eccentricity, to the origin and orientation of the ellipsoid axes chosen to represent the earth's surface, and to the position of certain geodetic points that make up the basic geodetic network.

Examples of geodetic reference systems available in DFW Metroplex version 3.0:

•	NAD 27

North American Datum 1927

•	NAD 83

North American Datum 1983

•	CRK 1880

Clarke ellipsoid 1880, used in France

•	ED 50

European Datum 1950, used for example in Spain.

•	ATS 77

Average Terrestrial System 1977, used in Canada's maritime provinces.

•	WGS 84

World Geodetic System 1984


Geographic distance

Distance in degrees, minutes, and seconds between two points on a map or another medium.


Geographic north

Direction of the earth's axis of rotation in the northern hemisphere– the North Pole.


Geographic position (also geographic location)

Position of a site, defined in terms of latitude and longitude.


Geographical coordinates

Values expressing the longitude and latitude of a point.


Georeference

Relationship between a piece of data and its position, on the earth, given in real coordinates.


GPS (Global Positioning System)

System enabling users to find point positions by observing radio signals emitted by satellites.

The GPS is made up of a constellation of NACSTAR satellites, of land-based control stations used for determining satellite orbits, and of receivers that enable users to determine the position of the site where the receivers are located.


Grid (of a map)
Grid (of a map) (see Grid coordinate system)

Network of regularly spaced straight lines that intersect perpendicularly. It is used as a basis for map reference systems with rectangular or geographical coordinates.

Note

A search for any point on the map is made easier by giving its graticule reference (i.e., its geographical coordinates).

Each square of the grid is identified by letters or numbers along the edges.


Grid coordinate system

Grid reference system based on the transverse Mercator projection and represented on maps. It can be used to determine the exact position of an entity on a map, in terms of distance or direction.


Hemisphere

Half of the earth, e.g., the northern hemisphere is above the equator and the southern hemisphere is below.


Horizontal coordinate system

Latitude and longitude

The latitude and longitude of a point are its geographic coordinates. Lines of latitude run north and south of the equator. Lines of longitude run east and west of the Greenwich Meridian. Both are given in degrees, minutes, and seconds of arc.

Symbols

You can choose to represent latitude and longitude by the Greek letters  and  or by the abbreviations Lat. and Long.

The UTM, MTM, and Lambert France systems of X and Y rectangular coordinates correspond to representations of the earth's surface on a reference map, i.e., projections.


 Identifier

 Interface

 Interval of visibility

 Large-scale map

 Latitude

 Layer

 Legend

 Line

 Longitude


Identifier

Attribute that marks out when and where an entity occurs.


Interface

All of the means by which the hardware, the software, and the user connect and interrelate with each other.


Interval of visibility

Range of values within which an entity is entirely visible and outside which it is not.

Note

To edit symbols or text in their corresponding modules, you must place yourself at a scale that falls within the specified range of visible values. Outside the interval of visibility defined for each layer, the information will not be visible.


Large-scale map

Map whose scale covers a small area, such as a city, an urban area, or a port.


Latitude

Angular distance from the earth's center measured northerly or southerly from the equatorial plane. Lines of latitude are measured in degrees along a meridian.

Note

Latitude is measured from 0 to 90° degrees north or south of the equator.


Layer

Collection of graphic items. Display of these items can be activated, deactivated, or altered. On the screen, they look like transparent work sheets that can be superimposed over each other, much like acetates on an overhead projector.


Legend

Table explaining the main conventions used in drawing a map.


Line

One-dimensional entity, defined by an ordered list of coordinates. A line is made up of a succession of vectors perfectly connected to each other at their ends.


Longitude (also geographical longitude, terrestrial longitude)

Angular distance from the earth's center measured eastward or westward from the prime meridian. Lines of longitude are measured in degrees along a line of latitude.

Note

Longitude is measured by the arc of the equator between the meridian of a given location and the prime meridian (the one usually adopted by all nations is the Greenwich meridian [longitude 0]) and is measured from 0 to 180 degrees east or west of the prime meridian. For practical purposes, longitude is obtained from the time difference between the prime meridian and the meridian of a given location.


 Magnetic north

 Medium-scale map

 Mercator projection

 Meridian

 Metadata

 MTM

 NAD 27, NAD 83

 Navigation index

 Node

 ODBC driver

 Pixel

 Place name

 Point

 Polygon

 Polyline

 Positioning

 Projection

 Projection Lambert France

 Property


Magnetic north

Direction given by the needle of a compass.


Medium-scale map

Map whose scale covers a medium-sized area on the earth's surface, such as portions of countries or water bodies.


Mercator projection

Mapping system in which the meridians run parallel to each other, instead of joining at the two poles.

Conformal projection where the equator is represented by a straight line whose lengths remain undistorted, where the meridians are represented by lines running perpendicularly to the equator, and where the lines of latitude run parallel to the equator.


Meridian

Imaginary line on a topographic map that intersects both the north and south poles.


Metadata

Data explaining the nature of certain other data items, thus making them more useful.


MTM (modified transverse Mercator projection
MTM (modified transverse Mercator projection – see Transverse Mercator projection)


NAD 27, NAD 83
NAD 27, NAD 83 (see Geodetic reference system)


Navigation index

The navigation index is used by DFW Metroplex version 3.0 to manage the images that make up the digitized representation, on disk, of a territory. An index may manage one or more disks. A disk may be managed by several indexes.


Node

Start or end points of a chain.


ODBC driver

Dynamic Link Library (DLL) that an application can use to gain access to a specific data source. Each database management system (SGBD), e.g., Access, requires its own drivers.


Pixel

Elementary surface unit of a digitized image. Pixels form an array structure and their size defines image resolution.

The smallest element of a display surface with which one can individually associate a color (or a level of grayness) and a level of intensity.


Place name

A proper name designating a natural or artificial topographic feature.


Point

Dimensionless geometric entity specified by a pair or trio of coordinates. On a map, the points are usually represented by symbols.


Polygon

Two-dimensional geometric entity, delineated by a line forming a closed figure. It is formed of one or more chains, which in turn are made up of one or more vectors.


Polyline
Polyline (see Chain)


Positioning (also map referencing)

Determining the position of an entity with respect to a reference system.


Projection (of a map)

Geometric representation of the earth's curved surface on a flat surface, such as a sheet of paper.


Projection Lambert France

Map projection system used for France. The country is divided into four zones of projection, with the following limits:

•	Northern zone between 56.76 gr and 53.50 gr of latitude (Lambert I);

•	Central zone between 53.50 gr and 50.50 gr of latitude (Lambert II);

•	Lower southern zone between 50.50 gr and 45.90 gr of latitude (Lambert III);

•	Zone corresponding to Corsica (Lambert IV).

Note

The Lambert II extended projection, which covers the entire French territory, has been chosen as the coordinate system.


Property (also attribute)

Component of a data relationship model. It represents a characteristic specific to a phenomenon, or a characteristic specific to a relationship between phenomena.


 Reference ellipsoid

 Reverse azimuth

 Scale

 Scale factor

 Small-scale map

 Summit

 Topographic map

 Transverse Mercator projection

 Symbol

 Topography


Reference ellipsoid (geodetic)

Mathematical representation of a geoid, formed by the representation of an ellipse around its minor axis. It is the basis for creating a geodetic reference system.


Reverse azimuth

True azimuth of an object symmetrically opposite from the observed object with respect to the center of the earth. The reverse azimuth differs by 180° from the true azimuth.

If, for example, the true azimuth corresponds to a direction AB, the reverse azimuth will correspond to the direction BA.


Scale (also map scale)

Average ratio between the distance measured on a map and the real distance measured on the land surface without adjusting for the distortions due to scale factor and altitude.

For example, a distance of 1 cm on a map with a scale of 1/20,000 corresponds to a distance of 200 meters on the ground. A scale of 1/20,000 means that the items on the map are 20,000 times smaller than the real objects they represent.

Note	Map scales can be:

•	Very large scales (denominator less than 5,000)

•	Large scales (denominator between 5,000 and 25,000)

•	Medium-sized scales (denominator between 25,000 and 100,000)

•	Small scales (denominator between 100,000 and 1,000,000)

•	Very small scales (denominator more than 1,000,000)


Scale factor

Coefficient that measures map scale distortion, due to the use of a map projection system.

Note

The scale factor varies from one point to the next. The nominal scale factor of the MTM projection is 0.9999 and that of the UTM projection 0.9996. The MTM projection, however, varies from 0.9999 to 1.0001 whereas the UTM projection varies from 0.9996 to 1.0004.


Small-scale map

Map whose scale covers a large ground area (e.g., a country, a continent, or a large body of water).

Note

A very small-scale map would represent the entire world.


Summit

On a line, each pair or trio of coordinates, except for the ends of a line where the ends are nodes.


Topographic map

Map representing relief and major physical features, either natural or artificial, that can be seen over a territory.


Transverse Mercator projection

Projection of the earth's surface onto a cylinder that runs tangential to a meridian of the earth's surface. The projection is mediated by a sphere (double projection of an ellipsoid onto a sphere and of the sphere onto a cylinder).

Note

Official Quebec maps use the transverse Mercator projection, modified by 3° (MTM), for large scales (1/20,000 and over), the universal transverse Mercator projection (UTM) for small scales (between 1/50,000 and 1/500,000), and Lambert's conical map projection for scales 1/1,000,000 and smaller.


Symbol

Graphical representation of a point. Each point is associated with a symbol.


Topography

All natural and artificial surface features on topographic maps, considered collectively.


 UTM

 Vector

 WGS 84


UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)
UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator map projection – see Transverse Mercator projection)


Vector

Oriented straight-line segment, forming a mathematical entity on which one can perform operations. It is the spatial entity that makes map creation possible. It is made up of two points, which are its ends.


WGS 84
WGS 84 (see Geodetic reference system)


Navigation

 Number of previous maps and next maps

 How to customize the navigation zone

 How to customize the number of zoom levels


Line

The Line tab lets you alter the vector visual attributes, i.e., the path's style, thickness, and color. The results can be viewed in View before printing.


Polygon

The Polygon tab lets you alter the polygon visual attributes, i.e., the polygon's style, type, and color. The results can be viewed before printing in the rectangular window located in the lower right-hand portion of the dialog box.

-	The Foreground and Background options define, respectively, the color of the polygon's surface, when the Transparent box is checked off, and the background color of the polygon, when the type is opaque.

Note	When the Transparent option is selected, the background color is inactive.

-	The Transparent and Opaque options can make the background transparent or opaque when a foreground pattern is being chosen.

For example, if you've chosen a hatched style and the Opaque box is checked off, the foreground pattern will be superimposed and the background map color will be hidden. Otherwise, the base map will remain visible underneath the pattern.


Mapsco GPS

 Introducing Mapsco GPS

 General Information on GPS

 Mapsco GPS and GPS Receiver

 Session Window - GPS Tab

 Map Window

 GPS Menu

 Managing the GPS Databases

 Managing the GPS Receivers

 Navigating Using a GPS Receiver

 Managing tracks

 Managing the Points

 Managing the Routes

 Using GPS Data


Introducing Mapsco GPS

The Mapsco GPS is a plug-in working with our Mapsco software. Interpreting the data plotted by the GPS receiver and using Mapsco interface to display it, it enables the users to display their exact position on a cartographic map in real time. With this software, users are able to save tracks and routes (formed by points) on their GPS receiver and download them later on their computer. The data may be edited, or new data can be created in Mapsco, and uploaded to the GPS receiver.


General Information on GPS

 What is the GPS System?

 How does the GPS receiver works?


What is the GPS System?

The GPS System, or Global Positioning System, is the name given to the system which locates the position of a point using satellites positioned around the earth.

This system is made up of a constellation of over 24 satellites revolving around the earth and transmitting signals towards it. These signals are picked up and interpreted by receivers of different sizes. Some models can hold on one hand (these small models are meant for the general public).


How does the GPS receiver works?

The GPS receiver is a device that enables to determine the position of a point using signals transmitted by the orbiting fixed satellites of the GPS system and calculations.

From these signals, the GPS receiver can determine, according to the time and the distance covered by a satellite in orbit, the receiver’s position on the ground at a given time using computerized geographical data, and this, with an average accuracy of 10 metres (for GPS receivers used by the general public, receivers of a geodetic type being more accurate).

The receiver provides data related to the latitude, longitude, altitude and time.


Mapsco GPS and GPS Receiver

 What is the material needed to use Mapsco GPS?

 How do the GPS receiver and Mapsco GPS communicate?

 How do the GPS receiver and Mapsco GPS exchange data?


What is the material needed to use Mapsco GPS?

Mapsco GPS supports GPS receivers using NMEA, Garmin, Lowrance and Magellan communication protocols. Any GPS receiver using these protocols may then be connected to Mapsco GPS software.


How do the GPS receiver and Mapsco GPS communicate?

To use the GPS functionality, Mapsco GPS users only have to connect their GPS receiver to their computer (as you will see further, a wizard will help you proceed to that connection).

The software and the GPS receiver communicate directly with each other. To use your GPS receiver with Mapsco GPS, you must configure the two interfaces so that they will use the same communication protocol to save data.

Warning 	If you configure this software in the Garmin protocol Garmin, for example, and if your GPS receiver is configure to work with another protocol (ex. Magellan), you will be unable to exchange data between your GPS and Mapsco GPS.


How do the GPS receiver and Mapsco GPS exchange data?

You can, for instance, use the GPS receiver to compute your position while traveling and find out where you’re heading. With Mapsco GPS, you can take the coordinates determined by your GPS receiver, transfer them manually to the many maps provided and view your route, keep it in memory or print it out. The various computing tools available in Mapsco GPS enable you, in particular, to compute distance and speed.

You can also add information to the maps—in the form of graphic items—at points corresponding to the coordinates determined by your GPS receiver. You can also associate notes, images, or text with the points on the maps.


Session Window - GPS Tab

The session window is made up of several tabs, one giving access to the data and commands related to the GPS databases you create in Mapsco GPS.

The information related to the GPS databases is stored in that window: points, tracks, routes, etc. In that window you can execute most operations related to the GPS databases: create, open, close, delete GPS databases, display their properties, connect them to GPS receivers, download, import, export tracks, etc.

The GPS tab looks like this:

Related heading:

 Customizing the session window


Map Window

The map window enables you to visualize in real time the points or tracks plotted by your GPS receiver. Mapsco GPS navigation tools are all available in the GPS module.


GPS Menu

In the GPS menu that appears in the menu bar located at the top of your screen, you can access the different commands related to the GPS module. These commands are described in the following sections

The Navigate using a GPS  button enables you to connect your GPS receiver to a GPS database and to navigate in Mapsco GPS using your GPS receiver. Clicking on that button will make the GPS navigation box appear.

Related heading:

 Navigate using a GPS


Managing the GPS Databases

 Definition of a GPS Database

 Creating a GPS Database

 Opening a GPS Database

 Displaying or Hiding GPS Databases

 Displaying Properties of a GPS Database

 Closing a GPS Database

 Deleting a GPS Database


Definition of a GPS Database

A GPS database refers to any database that a user creates in order to save data acquired by his GPS receiver and transmitted to Mapsco GPS software, or any data created with Mapsco GPS to upload to the GPS receiver. In a certain way, each database could be seen as a distinct GPS project. Any number of GPS databases may be created.

Related heading:

 Creating a GPS Database


Creating a GPS Database

In the GPS menu of Mapsco GPS, select the option Create a GPS.

Note 	You can also use the session window to create a GPS database under the GPS tab.

1.	Under Description, type a GPS database description (maximum 27 characters). This description will automatically be stored and displayed in the session window.

2.	Click the Browse button to choose the path and directory in which you want to create the GPS database and enter a name for the database. Click on the button to the right to change measurement unit.

3.	Under Distance between points, indicate the minimum distance between two consecutive points.

Example 	If you specify 100 meters, all data picked up by the receiver within that radius will be rejected.

4.	Under Track save and display parameters, you can select other types and parameters of the filter applied on the incoming GPS data:

•	Check Keep all points if you want no filter to be applied on the incoming data

•	Check Number of points (max.) and type the maximum number of track points to be saved if you want to limit the number of incoming track points

•	Check Distance (max.) and type the maximum track distance if you want to limit the track length. Distance unit can be changed by clicking on the button to the right and selecting a new unit

•	Check Time (max.) and type the maximum duration of the tracking operation if you want to limit the duration of tracking

Notes	The round check boxes are mutually exclusive. Only one can be selected.

If you check off the Keep end of track box, the software will display the last segment of the track. If the last points plotted exceed the maximum number of points you have specified, the software will delete the first points plotted in order to display the end of the track.

5.	Click on Next to continue; the following dialog box will appear.

Graphic Attributes

1.	Under Mobile representation, you can choose a symbol to display the mobile in the map window. If the default symbol is not appropriate, click Browse... to choose from an extensive list of symbols. Select a symbol and click on Open to confirm your choice.

Note	With the tools included in the Windows environment, you can add other images to the directory where all the symbols are stored and use them in Mapsco GPS as long as the image size is 32 x 32 and they are saved in BMP format.

2.	Under Line, you can modify the track display attributes, i.e. the path’s style, thickness, and color. The results can be viewed in Preview before exiting.

3.	Click on Next to move to the next step. The following dialog box is displayed.

Text Attributes

You can change the text graphical attributes (font, style and colors). The result is displayed in the preview box.

1.	Under Information, click on Font to change the default font attributes.

Under Color, select the font color (Foreground color) and select a background color, if you want the text to be displayed in a solid color box. By default, the background is transparent


Opening a GPS Database

1.	In the GPS menu, select Open a GPS database...

In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the GPS component.

In the contextual menu that appears, select Open a GPS database...

Note 	You can also go to the GPS menu and click on GPS>Open a GPS database... The following dialog box will open.

A scrollable menu will appear when you click the arrow to the right of the Look in field. Choose the drive and directory containing the database you wish to open.

Next select a GPS database. Click on Open to validate. The GPS database name will appear in the session window with all its associated components.

Related heading:

 Creating a GPS Database


Displaying or Hiding GPS Databases

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on:

•	The GPS database you wish to display or hide

•	The GPS component (if you wish to display or hide all GPS databases).

•	If you wish to display one or all databases on the base map, check off Visible; a checkmark will then appear to the left of the command.

•	If you wish to display one or all databases on the base map, uncheck Visible; the unchecked element and all components that come under it will automatically be deactivated. They will appear in italics.

Note	 You can also uncheck the box that appears before the GPS database you wish to hide or before the GPS component.


Displaying Properties of a GPS Database

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the GPS database you wish to get information on and select Properties...  By default, it will open on the General tab.

Note At any time you can modify the parameters of the GPS database or the track attributes. The changes will automatically be saved and applied.


Closing a GPS Database

In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the GPS database you wish to close and select Close the GPS database...


Deleting a GPS Database

In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the GPS database you wish to delete and select Delete item... A dialog box asking you to confirm your choice will automatically appear. If you confirm, the database will be deleted permanently.


Managing the GPS Receivers

 Adding a GPS Receiver to the List

 Connecting a GPS Receiver to a GPS Database


Adding a GPS Receiver to the List

In the GPS menu, select Add a GPS receiver to the list and the dialog box will. Follow the instructions supplied in this box and the next ones. Click on < Back and Next > to go from one box to the other.

Important Note : To operate in real time, an NMEA type connexion must be installed in DFW Metroplex version 3.0 and the NMEA protocol must be activated in the interface of the GPS receiver. Otherwise, if the user wants to download data from the GPS (waypoints, routes and tracks) in DFW Metroplex version 3.0 or vice-versa, he must create a connexion defined by his model (Garmin, Lowrance ou Magellan) and deactivate the NMEA protocol in the interface of the GPS receiver. So the user who wants to do both real time navigation and download data must create two connexions in DFW Metroplex version 3.0 and select the appropriate connexion before starting a session. (See Connecting a GPS receiver to a GPS database).

Related heading:

 Connecting a GPS Receiver to a GPS Database


Connecting a GPS Receiver to a GPS Database

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the GPS component.

Note	You can also go into the GPS menu and click GPS>Navigate using a GPS. And, then click Connection to a GPS receiver

In the displayed menu, select Select a GPS receiver... The following dialog box will be displayed.

In their respective list select the GPS database and the GPS receiver you wish to connect. The dialog box Navigate using a GPS will be displayed (see the next section on how to navigate with a GPS). Click OK to proceed.

Note	By default, the date and time of the connection are displayed in a new track in the session window under Tracks for the GPS database that has been connected.


Navigating Using a GPS Receiver

 Displaying the GPS Navigation Box

 Reducing the GPS Navigation Box

 Displaying the Mobile on the Base Map

 Getting Information on the Location and Speed of the Mobile

 Modifying the Units of Measurement

 Locating the Mobile on the Base Map


Displaying the GPS Navigation Box

To display the Navigate using a GPS box, click [image] or go to the GPS menu.

When no GPS database is connected to a GPS receiver, the Connection status button appears in red.

To connect a GPS database, click on Connection to a GPS receiver. The dialog box Select a GPS receiver automatically appears. Select a GPS database and associate a GPS receiver to it and click OK. The navigation box of the GPS will open again. the Connection status button will then appear in green, as illustrated below.

Related heading:

 Reducing the GPS Navigation Box

 Connecting a GPS Receiver to a GPS Database

 Creating a GPS Database


Reducing the GPS Navigation Box

1.	If you only want to display the buttons and the state of the connection, click [image]. The dialog box will appear like this:

To open the box to its full size, click [image].

Note	The coordinates and the altitude are displayed in the Connection status zone when the GPS database is connected. When it is not connected, only the red circle is visible.


Displaying the Mobile on the Base Map

If you do not wish the map displayed in the map window to move according to the movement of the mobile, check off Fixed map Window. If you want it to follow the movement, check off Always displayed on screen. To have the mobile always visible at the centre of the map, check off Always at the centre of the map.


Getting Information on the Location and Speed of the Mobile

In the Navigate using a GPS box are displayed in real time the coordinates (latitude, longitude and altitude) corresponding to the location of the receiver on the ground. The speed is also given.


Modifying the Units of Measurement

To modify the angular, distance or speed units, click on these buttons [image] and select in the lists that appear the unit of measurement you wish to use. The following menus show the various units that can be chosen with a click. You may also use these menus to transform numbers from one unit system to another.


Locating the Mobile on the Base Map

If you cannot see the mobile on the base map, click [image]. Mapsco GPS will find its location and display the corresponding map.

Note	That situation occurs when you check off Fixed map window and navigate in Mapsco GPS while the mobile moves.


Managing tracks

 Displaying a GPS Track in Real Time

 Saving Tracks

 Displaying the Properties of a Track

 Displaying Track Properties

 Editing Tracks

 Exporting a Track in a Text File

 Exporting all Tracks in a Text File

 Exporting Tracks to the personal Database

 Importing a Saved Track to a Text File

 Uploading a Track to your GPS receiver

 Uploading Tracks to your GPS receiver

 Downloading Tracks from your GPS receiver

 Deleting a Track

 Deleting all Tracks from a GPS Database


Displaying a GPS Track in Real Time

To access in real time the data gathered by the GPS receiver, you need that a NMEA type connexion be established (see Connecting a GPS Receiver to a GPS Database). Furthermore, the NMEA protocol must be activated in the interface of the GPS receiver. To activate the data capture and display in real time, see Section – Displaying the GPS Navigation Box.

Related heading:

 Connecting a GPS Receiver to a GPS Database

 Displaying the GPS Navigation Box


Saving Tracks

To save tracks, the GPS receiver must be connected to a GPS database (see Section - Connecting a GPS Receiver to a GPS Database). Once the connection has been made, click [image] in the Navigate using a GPS dialog box. Data will be acquired and filtered according to the parameters you have defined for the database (see Section — Creating a GPS Database—Database Parameters).

Related heading:

 Connecting a GPS Receiver to a GPS Database

 Navigate using a GPS

 Creating a GPS Database—Database Parameters


Displaying the Properties of a Track

In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the track you wish to get information on and select Properties...

A dialog box appears. By default, it opens on the General tab.

General parameters

Under Parameters appears the default name of the track, specifically the date and time when the GPS database and receiver were connected. You can modify this name.

If you wish the track to be visible on screen, check off Visible, and vice versa.

If you wish all track points to be displayed on the base map, check off Display points, and vice versa.

You can add your comments in the Note zone.

Track Attributes

To see the graphic attributes of the track, or to modify them, click on the Line attributes tab. The following dialog box will open.

Note 	If you check off Default attributes, the attributes you have chosen when creating the GPS database will be applied.

Display of Track Points

1.	To see the track point’s attributes, or to modify them, click on the Points tab. The following dialog box will open.

Select a segment with the scrolling menu. A segment is a continuous set of points acquired by the GPS receiver and ends with a signal loss or if the receiver is turned off. A track is formed of one or many segments. The column titles have the following definitions:

•	Point: a sequential number for the point in a segment.

•	Latitude: latitude of the point in the displayed unit of measurement, which can be changed with the button Angular unit [image].

•	Longitude: longitude of the point in the displayed unit of measurement, which can be changed with the button Angular unit [image].

•	Speed: speed of the point in the displayed unit of measurement, which can be changed with the button Speed unit [image].

•	Date and time: date and time of the data acquired by the GPS receiver for this point.

•	Altitude: altitude of the point in the displayed unit of measurement, which can be changed with the button Distance unit [image].

•	EPE: estimated position error.

Note	When the satellites are suitably positioned, the EPE will drop close to 4.0 meters.

•	PDOP: position dilution of precision. i.e., the value indicating how favourable the satellite positioning is for taking measurements.

Note	Dilution of precision means the dilution effect of satellite positioning and distribution on the accuracy of a position measurement on earth at any point in time. Data quality decreases as the PDOP value increases. PDOP values of around 8 are considered as being poor.

•	SatInUseCount: the number of satellites used to compute the position of the point.

•	SatInViewCount: the number of satellites seen by the GPS receiver at the acquisition time of data. If this number is different from SatInUseCount, it means that the signal of some satellites were too low to be taken into account or for other internal constraints of the receiver.

Display of Track Point Segments

To see the track point segment attributes, or to modify them, click on the Segments tab. The following dialog box will open.

Select a segment with the scrolling menu. The column titles have the following definitions:

•	Line: a sequential number for the line in a segment. A line is the connection of two consecutive track points. Thus, a segment is a sequence of lines.

•	Distance: distance between two consecutive points in the displayed unit of measurement, which can be changed with the button Distance unit [image].

•	Cumulative distance: cumulative distance between the first point and this point in the displayed unit of measurement, which can be changed with the button Distance unit [image].

•	Average speed: ratio of the cumulative distance for this point and the total time of movement up to this point in the displayed unit of measurement, which can be changed with the button Speed unit [image].


Displaying Track Properties

In the session window, under GPS tab, right-click on Tracks [image] of the GPS database that contains the tracks you want to display and select Properties... The following box will open.

To display information on a track, select a track and click [image]. The Track properties dialog boxes shown in the previous section will be displayed.

If you wish the track to be visible on screen, check off Visible, and vice versa.

To delete a track, select the corresponding line and click Delete item...  (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears).


Editing Tracks

1.	In the main toolbar click Edit tracks [image]. The following box will open.

Select the GPS database in which you want to make track modifications using the scrollable menu at the right of GPS databases.

Select the track to modify using the scrollable menu at the right of Tracks.

Select the segment to modify using the scrollable menu at the right of Segments.

•	To modify the latitude or longitude of a point using the keyboard, double-click on the corresponding case and type in the new value.

•	To delete one or many points, select them and click [image] (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears).

•	To add a point with the mouse in the map window, move to the exact position of the new point and click. A new point will appear at the end of the list in the Edit Tracks dialog box.

•	To change the order of the points in the list. For example—to move the last point acquired in the map window (listed at the end) to a new position in the list—drag and drop the selected point to its new position in the list.

•	To locate a point in the map window, select a point and click [image]. Mapsco GPS will find its location and display the corresponding map with the point displayed at the centre of the map window with a cross-hair symbol.

•	To delete all new track modifications, right-click in the map window and select Cancel, or click [image].

•	To save the edited track, right-click in the map window and select Accept, or click [image].

•	To copy the cell contents, select points and click Copy to clipboard [image]. The data is now available to be pasted in any Windows application.

To add a new track, click Add to the right of Tracks. The following dialog box will appear:

Type the new track name and click OK. After returning to the Edit tracks dialog box, add points to the track in the map window by clicking with the mouse on new point locations. All editing functions described in this section are now available for editing the new track.

To save the new track, click [image] or right-click in the map window and select Accept. The new track will appear in the session window with all existing tracks related to the GPS database under modification.

•	To cancel a track under construction, click Cancel [image] or right-click in the map window and click Cancel.

To add a new segment, click Add to the right of Segments. The name of the new segment will appear in the Segments box with a sequential number following the last segment of this track.

Add points to the new segment in the map window by clicking with the mouse on new point locations. All editing functions described in this section are now available for editing the new segment.

•	To save the new segment, click [image] or right-click in the map window and select Accept.

•	To cancel a segment under construction, click Cancel [image] or right-click in the map window and click Cancel.


Exporting a Track in a Text File

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the track you wish to export in a text file and select Export track.... The following dialog box opens.

A scrollable menu will appear when you click on the arrow to the right of the Look in field. Choose the drive and directory in which you wish to create the export file.

Next select the type of file and enter the name of the file you wish to export. Click Open to validate.


Exporting all Tracks in a Text File

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click [image] on the GPS database containing the tracks you wish to export in a text file and select Export all tracks.... The following dialog box appears.

A scrollable menu will appear when you click on the arrow to the right of the Look in field. Choose the drive and directory in which you wish to create the export file.

Next select the type of file and enter the name of the file you wish to export. Click Open to validate.


Exporting Tracks to the personal Database

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click [image] on the GPS database containing the tracks you wish to export in the personal database and select Export to a database.... The following dialog box appears.

Under Databases, using the scrollable menu, select the personal database.

Under Layers, select the layer on which all data will be copied to.

Check off Export for all tracks to be exported.

If you check off Delete, the track will be deleted from the GPS database after it has been copied to the personal database.

In the UID (Unique Identifier) column, a default name for the identifier is automatically given. You can change it, if needed, according to the rules defined in Mapsco GPS User’s Guide.

Click Export to proceed.


Importing a Saved Track to a Text File

1.	In the session window (GPS tab), right-click the GPS database containing the track you wish to import and select Import a track. The following dialog box will appear.

A scrollable menu will appear when you click on the arrow to the right of the Look in field. Choose the drive and directory containing the track importation file.

Next select the type of file and enter the name of the file you wish to import. Click Open to validate.


Uploading a Track to your GPS receiver

In the session window (GPS tab), right-click the track you wish to upload to your GPS receiver and select Upload track...


Uploading Tracks to your GPS receiver

1.	In the session window (GPS tab), right-click [image] on the GPS database containing the tracks you wish to upload into your GPS receiver and select Upload tracks to the GPS...

A dialog box will appear.

Check off Upload check boxes for all tracks to be uploaded. Click Upload to proceed.

Note You can edit data before its transfer.

The uploading may take a few minutes. Be patient and wait till the information box indicates that the transfer has been completed.

NoteYou cannot upload tracks when you are in track editing mode.


Downloading Tracks from your GPS receiver

In the session window (GPS tab), right-click [image] on the GPS database into which you wish to download tracks recorded by your GPS receiver and select Download tracks to the application. Wait till the transfer has been completed.

Note You cannot download tracks when you are in tracing mode.


Deleting a Track

In the session window (GPS tab), right-click on the track you wish to delete and select Delete item... A dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears.


Deleting all Tracks from a GPS Database

1.	In the session window (GPS tab), right-click [image] on the GPS database you wish to delete all tracks and select Delete item...

A dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears.

Click Yes to delete all tracks or No otherwise.


Managing the Points

 Displaying Waypoint Properties

 Displaying all Waypoint Properties

 Editing Waypoints

 Exporting Waypoints to the Personal Database

 Uploading a Waypoint to your GPS receiver

 Uploading all Waypoints to your GPS receiver

 Downloading Waypoints from your GPS Receiver


Displaying Waypoint Properties

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the waypoint you wish to get information on and select Properties...

A dialog box appears. By default, it opens on the General tab.

General parameters

Under Parameters appears the default name of the waypoint. You can modify this name.

If you wish the waypoint to be visible on screen, check off Visible, and vice versa.

You can edit all data by typing new values for the parameters.

You can add your comments in the Note zone.

Waypoint Attributes

1.	To see the graphic attributes of the waypoint, or to modify them, click on the Symbols and attributes tab. The following dialog box will open.

You can change the symbol associated with this waypoint by clicking [image] and choosing a new symbol from the list. The preview window displays the result of your selections.

If you want the waypoint label to be visible on screen, check off Display label, and vice versa.

If you check off Default attributes, the attributes you have chosen when creating the GPS database will be applied. If not, uncheck Default attributes and make new selections:

•	To change font, click Font and select new settings.

•	For a greater choice of colors, click Foreground color and select a new color.

•	If you want a transparent background for the label, click off Transparent background, and vice-versa.

•	To change the foreground color, click Foreground color and select a new color.

•	Click OK to confirm your choice.


Displaying all Waypoint Properties

1.	In the session window (GPS tab), right-click [image] on the GPS database you wish to display the waypoint properties and select Properties...

The following dialog box appears.

To delete waypoints, select them and click [image] (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears).

Click Yes to confirm or No otherwise.

•	You can change the content of all cells by typing their new values directly or, when available, use the scrollable menus and check boxes to edit the waypoints. For example, you can click on a cell under Symbol and change the graphic representation of the waypoint.

•	If you double-click on a waypoint or if you click [image], all the dialog boxes presented in the previous section will be displayed and you will be able to edit the values in the same way.

•	To delete one or many waypoints, select them and click [image] (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears).

•	To locate a waypoint in the map window, select a waypoint and click [image]. Mapsco GPS will find its location and display the corresponding map with the waypoint displayed at the centre of the map window with a cross-hair symbol.

•	To copy the cell contents, select points and click Copy to clipboard [image]. The data is now available to be pasted in any Windows application.


Editing Waypoints

Waypoint editing can be done directly in the dialog boxes on the waypoint properties (see the two previous sections Displaying Waypoint Properties and Displaying all Waypoint Properties).

Editing can also be initiated by clicking [image]. The following dialog box will appear.

Select the GPS database in which you want to make waypoint modifications using the scrollable menu at the right of GPS databases.

1.	The new waypoints will have, by default, the symbol shown to the right of GPS databases. If you want to change to a new symbol, click [image] and select a symbol from the group shown below, or click the scrollable menu and select a symbol from the list.

Enter one or two characters in the Prefix cell as a prefix to the waypoint numbers. The new waypoint will have the next number following the last waypoint in the list.

Position a new waypoint in the map window with a click of the mouse or with the various tools available in Mapsco GPS (use the Search by  tool to navigate). All new waypoint may be edited as any other waypoint.

To delete one or many waypoints, select them and click [image] (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears).

Related heading:

 Displaying Waypoint Properties

 Displaying all Waypoint Properties


Exporting Waypoints to the Personal Database

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click [image] on the GPS database containing the waypoints you wish to export in the personal database and select Export to a database.... The following dialog box appears.

Under Databases, using the scrollable menu, select the personal database.

Under Layers, select the layer on which all data will be copied to.

Check off Export for all tracks to be exported.

Under Symbol for the DB, select, from the available symbols, the symbol that will be associated with the waypoint in the personal database.

If you check off Delete, the track will be deleted from the GPS database after it has been copied to the personal database.

In the UID (Unique Identifier) column, a default name for the identifier is automatically given. You can change it, if needed, according to the rules defined in Mapsco GPS User’s Guide

Click Export to proceed.


Uploading a Waypoint to your GPS receiver

In the session window (GPS tab), right-click the waypoint you wish to upload to your GPS receiver and select Upload waypoint to the GPS.

The transfer is activated and the data on the selected waypoint is transmitted to the GPS receiver.


Uploading all Waypoints to your GPS receiver

1.	In the session window (GPS tab), right-click [image] on the GPS database containing the waypoints you wish to upload into your GPS receiver and select Upload all waypoints to the GPS... A dialog box will appear.

Check off Upload check boxes for all waypoints to be uploaded. Click Upload to proceed.

Note You can edit data before its transfer.

The uploading may take a few minutes. Be patient and wait till the information box indicates that the transfer has been completed.


Downloading Waypoints from your GPS Receiver

In the session window (GPS tab), right-click [image] on the GPS database into which you wish to download the waypoints recorded by your GPS receiver and select Download waypoints to the application. Wait till the transfer has been completed. When all data has been transferred, a box will appear.

Note	 A waypoint in green identify a new waypoint, in black an existing waypoint (all data similar), not useful to copy, and in red, a waypoint where the name already exists but with different attributes. If a waypoint in red is imported, it will replace the existing one.

Under Download, check off all waypoints to be copied to the GPS database. Click Download to copy the selected points.


Managing the Routes

 Displaying the Properties of a Route

 Displaying Route Properties

 Editing Routes

 Exporting Routes to the Personal Database

 Uploading a Route to your GPS receiver

 Uploading Routes to your GPS receiver

 Downloading Routes from your GPS receiver


Displaying the Properties of a Route

In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click on the route you wish to get information on and select Properties...

The following dialog box appears. By default, it opens on the General tab.

General parameters

Under Parameters appears the default name of the route. You can modify this name. If you wish the route to be visible on screen, check off Visible, and vice versa. You can add your comments in the Note zone.

The column titles have the following definitions:

•	Name: name of the waypoint, by default one or two characters followed by a sequential number.

•	Symbol: the symbol associated with this waypoint.

•	Position: the sequential position of the waypoint in the list.

•	Distance: the distance between the waypoint and its predecessor in the displayed unit of measurement which can be changed with [image].

•	Heading: approximate heading.

•	Latitude: latitude of the point in the displayed unit of measurement which can be changed with [image].

•	Longitude: longitude of the point in the displayed unit of measurement which can be changed with [image].

•	Altitude: altitude of the point in the displayed unit of measurement which can be changed with [image].

•	Visible: waypoint is visible in the map window when checked off.

•	Display: label is visible in the map window when checked off

•	Position: relative position of the label to the symbol.

Graphic Attributes

To see the graphic attributes of the route, or to modify them, click on the Line attributes tab. The following dialog box will open.

Note	All graphic attributes can be changed in the same way as described for track attributes (see Section – Managing Tracks – Tracks Attributes).

Related heading:

 Managing Tracks – Tracks Attributes


Displaying Route Properties

1.	In the session window, under GPS tab, right-click on Routes [image] of the GPS database that contains the routes you want to display and select Properties... The following box will open.

•	To display information on a route, select a route and click [image]. The Route properties dialog boxes shown in the previous section will be displayed.

•	If you wish the route to be visible on screen, check off Visible, and vice versa.

•	To delete a route, select the corresponding line and click Delete item...  (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears).


Editing Routes

1.	In the main toolbar click Edit routes [image]. The following box will open.

Select the GPS database in which you want to make route modifications using the scrollable menu at the right of GPS databases.

Select the route to modify using the scrollable menu at the right of Routes.

•	To modify the values of a cell using the keyboard, double-click on the corresponding case and type in the new value.

•	To delete one or many waypoints, select them and click [image] (a dialog box asking you to confirm your choice automatically appears).

•	To add a waypoint with the mouse in the map window, move to the exact position of the new waypoint and click. A new waypoint will appear at the end of the list in the Edit Routes dialog box.

•	To move a waypoint to a new location, click on the route in the map window, and click and drag the waypoint to its new location.

•	To delete the new waypoints in the map window, right-click in the map window and select Cancel. All new waypoints will be deleted.

•	To change the order of the waypoints in the list for example—to move the last waypoint acquired in the map window (listed at the end) to a new position in the list—drag and drop the selected waypoint to its new position in the list.

•	To locate a waypoint in the map window, select a point and click [image]. Mapsco GPS will find its location and display the corresponding map with the waypoint displayed at the centre of the map window with a cross-hair symbol.

•	To delete all new route modifications, right-click in the map window and select Cancel, or click [image].

•	To save the edited route, right-click in the map window and select Accept, or click [image].

•	To copy the cell contents, select waypoints and click Copy to clipboard [image]. The data is now available to be pasted in any Windows application.

•	To add a new route, click Add to the right of Routes. The following dialog box will appear:

Type the new route name and click OK. After returning to the Edit routes dialog box, add waypoints to the route in the map window by clicking with the mouse on new waypoint locations. All editing functions described in this section are now available for editing the new route.

•	To save the new route, click [image] or right-click in the map window and select Accept. The new route will appear in the session window with all existing routes related to the GPS database under modification.

•	To cancel a route under construction, click Cancel [image] or right-click in the map window and click Cancel.

•	To add a waypoint listed under any waypoint lists in the session window [image], select the route to be modified and click [image]. The following dialog box appears.

Check off Add boxes for all waypoints you wish to add. Confirm by clicking OK. These waypoints will appear at the end of the waypoint list in the Edit waypoints dialog box. You may change their position or their properties as for any other waypoint.


Exporting Routes to the Personal Database

1.	In the session window, under the GPS tab, right-click [image] on the GPS database containing the routes you wish to export in the personal database and select Export to a database.... The following dialog box appears.

Under Databases, using the scrollable menu, select the personal database.

Under Layers, select the layer on which all data will be copied to.

Check off Export for all routes to be exported.

If you check off Delete, the route will be deleted from the GPS database after it has been copied to the personal database.

In the UID (Unique Identifier) column, a default name for the identifier is automatically given. You can change it, if needed, according to the rules defined in Mapsco GPS User’s Guide.

Click Export to proceed.


Uploading a Route to your GPS receiver

In the session window (GPS tab), right-click the route you wish to upload to your GPS receiver and select Upload route...


Uploading Routes to your GPS receiver

1.	In the session window (GPS tab), right-click [image] on the GPS database containing the routes you wish to upload into your GPS receiver and select Upload routes to the GPS... The following dialog box will appear.

Check off Upload check boxes for all routes to be uploaded. Click Upload to proceed.

Note You can edit data before its transfer.

The uploading may take a few minutes. Be patient and wait till the information box indicates that the transfer has been completed.

NoteYou cannot upload routes when you are in route editing mode.


Downloading Routes from your GPS receiver

1.	In the session window (GPS tab), right-click [image] on the GPS database into which you wish to download routes recorded by your GPS receiver and select Download routes to the application. Wait till the transfer has been completed. The following dialog box will appear.

The downloading may take a few minutes. Be patient and wait till the information box indicates that the transfer has been completed.

After completion of the transfer, the following dialog box will open automatically. All routes stored in your GPS receiver will be displayed.

Note  	A route in green identify a new route, in black an existing route (all data similar), not useful to copy, and in red, a route where the name already exists but with different attributes. If a route in red is imported, it will replace the existing one.

Note  	Many GPS receivers can only store one route. It is important to verify if this limitation exists in order to manage efficiently your data between your computer and your GPS receiver.

Under Download, check off all routes to be copied to the GPS database. Click Download to copy the selected routes.


Copy Cell Contents to Another Application

To copy cell data to another application, select the cells and click Copy to clipboard [image] or press CTRL+C simultaneously on your keyboard. Next go to the application you wish to paste the data into and press CTRL+V simultaneously. The contents of the cells you’ve selected will automatically appear.

In the following example, the data have been copied to an Excel spreadsheet.


Using GPS Data

 Searching Points Using Coordinates

 Adding Waypoints to Maps

 Adding Personal Information to Tracks


Searching Points Using Coordinates

In Mapsco GPS, you can manually write the geographical coordinates plotted by your GPS receiver and go, on the base map and at the scale you wish, to the point corresponding to the coordinates.

1.	Click Search by  (Navigation menu). A dialog box will appear. Select the Coordinates tab. The following dialog box will appear.

Enter the coordinates into the appropriate boxes. In the above example, the coordinates are in latitude and longitude and can be expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds or in decimal fractions.

If you wish to change the displayed horizontal coordinate system click [image]. A dialog box will appear. Select the system you’ll enter the search coordinates into. Also enter the group. Press OK to validate your choice.

Note	The system you choose will affect the format of the coordinates you’ll enter. Please refer to the Customizing the status bar section for further information on coordinate systems.

Click Units if you wish to modify the coordinates format.

Click Go to to get to the point you want.

Note	If the coordinates you enter are outside the territory covered by the selected theme, a message box will appear and warn you. Click OK to remove the box and use other coordinates.

Related heading:

 Customizing the status bar

 Search by coordinates


Adding Waypoints to Maps

On the maps provided with Mapsco GPS, you can add the waypoints that your GPS receiver has plotted. The points will be represented by the symbols you’ve created or chosen from the list of symbols.

1.	Click Add point [image] (Tools menu). The Select symbols dialog box will automatically appear.

Select the symbol you wish to associate with the point, either by selecting its name from the scrollable menu (above) or by clicking its image in the display list (below).

Click Search by . A dialog box will appear. Select the Coordinates tab. Enter the point coordinates. Click Use. Mapsco GPS will place the symbol directly at the place that corresponds, on the base map, to the coordinates.

Related heading:

 Search by coordinates


Adding Personal Information to Tracks

With Mapsco GPS, you can document your tracks by adding visual markers or descriptive notes near the tracks displayed on the base map.

You can add four kinds of graphic items—points (represented by symbols), texts, lines and polygons—to the maps provided with the software.


Text Attributes

You can change the text graphical attributes (font, style and colors). The result is displayed in the preview box.

Under Information, click on Font to change the default font attributes.

Under Color, select the font color (Foreground color) and select a background color, if you want the text to be displayed in a solid color box. By default, the background is transparent.


Mapsco importations

 Format specifications for importation

 Importation with Text (TXT) or Excel (XLS) file

 Importation with Access (MDB) file

 Import by address

 Import by coordinates

 View the imported data


Format specifications for importation

There are three available formats for importation in the Mapsco titles: text (TXT), Excel (XLS) and Access (MDB). For each format, it is possible to import By Address or By Coordinates. The parameters to respect for each field are shown below. Also, you will find examples for each format in your C:\Program Files\SoftMap\Softmap plus\ImportFiles\.

Note: It is not necessary to give information for each field. However, in the text files (TXT) , you must always preserve the comma (,) separator between each field.

Related headings:

 Importation with Text (TXT) or Excel (XLS) file

 Importation with Access (MDB) file


Importation with Text (TXT) or Excel (XLS) file

 Description of the fields for the address files

 Description of the fields for the coordinate files

 Address file example (TXT)

 Coordinate file example (TXT)

 Address file example (XLS)

 Coordinate file example (XLS)


Description of the fields for the address files

Entity	Type	Name
Identifier	CHAR [17]	ID
Door number	INT	Number
Street Prefix	CHAR [8]	Prefix
Street name	CHAR [64]	StreetName
Street type	CHAR [16]	StreetType
City name	CHAR [32]	City
State name	CHAR [32]	State
Postal code	CHAR [16]	ZipCode
Symbol name	CHAR [17]	Symbol
Layer name	CHAR [17]	Layer
Note	CHAR [255]	Note
Related headings:

 Address file example (TXT)

 Address file example (XLS)


Description of the fields for the coordinate files

Entity	Type	Name
Identifier	CHAR [17]	ID
Latitude	DOUBLE	Lat
Longitude	DOUBLE	Lon
Symbol name	CHAR [64]	Symbol
Layer name	CHAR [16]	Layer
Note	CHAR [255]	Note
Related headings:

 Coordinate file example (TXT)

 Coordinate file example (XLS)


Address file example (TXT)


Coordinate file example (TXT)


Address file example (XLS)


Coordinate file example (XLS)


Importation with Access (MDB) file

 Database structure for the address files

 ImportAddress table description

 System table description

 Database structure for the coordinates files

 ImportLatLon table description


Database structure for the address files

Note: It is important to use the same names for the tables.

Related headings:

 ImportAddress table description

 System table description


ImportAddress table description

Entity	Type	Name
Identifier	CHAR [17]	ID
Door number	INT	Number
Street Prefix	CHAR [8]	Prefix
Street name	CHAR [64]	StreetName
Street type	CHAR [16]	StreetType
City name	CHAR [32]	City
State name	CHAR [32]	State
Postal code	CHAR [16]	ZipCode
Symbol name	CHAR [17]	Symbol
Layer name	CHAR [17]	Layer
Note	CHAR [255]	Note
Related headings:

 Table example for address importation


Table example for address
Table example for address importation


System table description

Entity	Type	Name
Signature "SoftmapImportDatabase"	CHAR [50]	Signature
Version number	INT	Version
Importation type (ADDRESS or LAT-LON)	CHAR [8]	ImportType
Datum (NAD83 or NAD27)	CHAR [10]	Datum
Related headings:

 Table example for address importation

 Table example for LatLon importation


Database structure for the coordinates files

Note: It is important to use the same names for the tables.

Related headings:

 ImportLatLon table description


ImportLatLon table description

Entity	Type	Name
Identifier	CHAR [17]	ID
Latitude	DOUBLE	Lat
Longitude	DOUBLE	Lon
Symbol name	CHAR [64]	Symbol
Layer name	CHAR [16]	Layer
Note	CHAR [255]	Note
Related headings:

 Table example for LatLon importation


Table example for LatLon importation


Import by address

In the File menu, select Import and By address. The Select file window will open.


Select file

In the Select file window, click the Browse button to select the Address file already created for importation. In the Select a file for importation window, select the file and click Open. DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will explore the importation file to see if it is built properly.

If the importation file format is accepted by DFW Metroplex version 3.0, click Next. The application will verify the correspondence between the data included in the importation file and the Mapsco data (personal database, address database, coordinates on maps, ...).

Related headings:

 Format specifications for importation


Select symbol

Note: During the importation, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will place a symbol (bitmap) on the map for each of the  imported addresses or coordinates matched to address database.

DFW Metroplex version 3.0 explores the importation file to find the symbols to use and the Select symbol window will open giving you the symbols displayed in the importation file.

If one or many symbol names in the importation file does not exist in the personal database, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will take the first symbol available in the personal database and associate it to the unfound name. You can change the symbol selected by DFW Metroplex version 3.0 by clicking on it to replace by an other one included in the displayed list.


Select layer

The Mapsco importation module reads the layer name defined by the user in the importation file and compares it with the personal database layer names. If a layer name in the importation file is nonexistent in the personal db, DFW Metroplex version 3.0 will automatically assign the information of this layer to layer 1 by default.

You can check the Empty layer case if you want to clear up the data already on this layer prior to importation of the address file. Be careful before selecting Empty layer because all the data stored on this layer will be lost for ever... A warning message will appear to ask you to confirm your choice.


Solve problem

The Solve problem window will only appear if the addresses displayed in the importation file are not found in the address database used by Mapsco. The section Address read in file gives you the addresses extracted from the importation file and in the bottom section of the window, you see a list of the nearest value in the address database. For each address not found, you can select the good match for it in the Match in the database section and click Accept.

When the address matching is terminated, you can click Finish to start the importation.


View the imported data

After importation, the symbols will be displayed on the map to their respective location. To view the information (address, coordinates) linked to the address, select the symbol and use Information tool.


Import by coordinates

In the File menu, select Import and By coordinates. The Select file window will open. All the others steps are the same than the Import by address procedure except for the Solve problem function that does not exist in this section.