Acmap Gs

Autodesk Map
Getting Started
12907-010000-5000A
April 2003
Copyright 2003 Autodesk, Inc.

All Rights Reserved
This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose.
AUTODESK, INC., MAKES NO WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED
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Studio VIZ, 3DSurfer, ActiveShapes, ActiveShapes (logo), Actrix, ADI, AEC Authority (logo), AEC-X, Animator Pro, Animator Studio, ATC,
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Third-Party Copyright Notices

ACIS Copyright 1989-2001 Spatial Corp. Portions Copyright 2002 Autodesk, Inc.
Copyright 1996-2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
International CorrectSpell Spelling Correction System 1995 by Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products, N.V. All rights reserved.
InstallShield 3.0. Copyright 1997 InstallShield Software Corporation. All rights reserved.
PANTONE Colors displayed in the software application or in the user documentation may not match PANTONE-identified standards.
Consult current PANTONE Color Publications for accurate color.
PANTONE and other Pantone, Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc. Pantone, Inc., 2002
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combination with certain Autodesk software products. PANTONE Color Data and/or Software shall not be copied onto another disk or
into memory unless as part of the execution of this Autodesk software product.
Portions Copyright 1991-1996 Arthur D. Applegate. All rights reserved.
Portions of this software are based on the work of the Independent JPEG Group.
RAL DESIGN RAL, Sankt Augustin, 2002
RAL CLASSIC RAL, Sankt Augustin, 2002
Representation of the RAL Colors is done with the approval of RAL Deutsches Institut fr Gtesicherung und Kennzeichnung e.V. (RAL
German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification, re. Assoc.), D-53757 Sankt Augustin."
Typefaces from the Bitstream typeface library copyright 1992.
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The Director General of the Geographic Survey Institute has issued the approval for the coordinates exchange numbered TKY2JGD for
Japan Geodetic Datum 2000, also known as technical information No H1-N0.2 of the Geographic Survey Institute, to be installed and used
within this software product (Approval No.: 646 issued by GSI, April 8, 2002).
OSTN97 Crown Copyright 1997. All rights reserved.
Portions of this computer program are copyright 1995-1999 LizardTech, Inc. All rights reserved. MrSID is protected by U.S. Patent No.
5,710,835. Foreign Patents Pending.
Portions of this computer program are Copyright 2000 Earth Resource Mapping, Inc.
AnswerWorks 4.0 1997-2000 WexTech Systems, Inc. Portions of this software Copyright Lernout & Hauspie, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
OSTN02 Crown copyright 2002. All rights reserved.
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Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR 12.212 (Commercial Computer SoftwareRestricted Rights) and DFAR 227.7202 (Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software), as applicable.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Contents
Introducing Autodesk Map
Installing the Product . . . . . . .

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . .
Working with Previous Versions . .
Migration Assistance . . . . . .
Working with Attached Databases .
Welcome to Autodesk Map 2004
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Autodesk Map: the GIS for AutoCAD . .
Autodesk Map Basics . . . . . . .
Managing Maps and Data . . . .
Drawing Sets . . . . . . . .
Creating Maps . . . . . . . .
Converting Coordinate Systems . .
Storing Attribute Information . . .
Editing and Cleaning Up Maps . .
Querying and Analyzing Maps . .
Creating a Library of Standard Objects
Saving Source Drawings . . . . .
Integrating Raster Images . . . .
Presenting and Plotting Maps . . .
Using Autodesk Map on a Network .
Whats Next . . . . . . . . . .
Part 1
Working with Projects.
Chapter 1
Setting Up a Project
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Starting Autodesk Map . . . . . . . .

Starting a New Project . . . . . . . .
Project Drawings and Source Drawings .
Adding Drawings to Your Project . . .
Nested Drawings . . . . . . . .
Specifying Drawing Settings . . . .
Setting Up External Databases . . . .
Seeing Whats Attached to Your Project .
Viewing Source Drawings . . . . . . .
Using Quick View. . . . . . . .
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Displaying a Full Screen . . . . . . . .

Using a Preview Query . . . . . . . .
Zooming the Project Extents . . . . . .
Controlling Layer Display with Key View . .
Viewing Documents Associated with Objects .
Using Your Projects . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing Objects in Source Drawings . . . .
Saving a Project . . . . . . . . . .
Saving Changes . . . . . . . . . .
Working with Multiple Projects . . . . .
Sharing Projects . . . . . . . . . .
Understanding Projects . . . . . . . . . .
Drawing Sets . . . . . . . . . . .
Saved Queries . . . . . . . . . . .
Drawing Indexes . . . . . . . . . .
Feature Classes . . . . . . . . . .
Global Coordinate System Settings . . . .
Using Internal Object Data or External Tables .
Link Templates . . . . . . . . . .
Data View Window . . . . . . . . .
Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . .
Themes . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key View Definition . . . . . . . . .
User Options . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbol Table Information . . . . . . .
SecurityPasswords and Digital Signatures .
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Sharing and Saving Drawings
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Working with an Oracle Database .
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Information for the Database Administrator .

How Autodesk Map Stores Data . . .
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Understanding Save Sets . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adding Objects to the Save Set . . . . . . . .
Saving Your Changes . . . . . . . . . . .
Sharing Drawings with Other Users . . . . . . . . .
Understanding File Locking . . . . . . . . .
Enabling Object Locking . . . . . . . . . .
Editing Drawings in a Multi-User Environment . . .
Identifying the User Who Has an Object Locked . . .
Releasing Locked Objects . . . . . . . . . .
Sharing Files With Different Versions of Autodesk Map.
Using DXF Files . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Setting Up the Flexible Schema . . . .

Information for Autodesk Map Users . . . .
Using a Drawing as a Template . . . .
Using Edit Sets and Locking . . . . .
Drawing Standards and Coordinate Systems
General Tips and Suggestions . . . .
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
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Overview of Feature Classification . . . . . . . .

Setting Up Feature Classification . . . . . . . .
Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating the Feature Definition File . . . . .
Creating Sample Objects . . . . . . . . .
Defining Feature Classes . . . . . . . . .
Modifying Feature Definitions . . . . . . .
Classifying Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a Feature Definition File . . . . . .
Creating a New Feature . . . . . . . . .
Classifying an Existing Object . . . . . . .
Editing Feature Data . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting Classified Objects . . . . . . . . . .
Classified, Unclassified, and Undefined Objects . .
Selecting Objects Based on Feature Class Properties
Selecting Objects in Source Drawing . . . . .
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Using Coordinate Systems
Understanding Map Projections . . . . . . .

Map Projections in Autodesk Map . . . . .
Map Scales and Distortion . . . . . . .
Understanding Coordinate Systems . . . . . .
Coordinate Systems and Origins . . . . .
Coordinate Transformation . . . . . . .
Geodetic and Non-Geodetic Coordinate Systems
Global Coordinate Systems in Autodesk Map . . .
Choosing a Global Coordinate System. . . .
Assigning a Global Coordinate System. . . .
Defining and Modifying Coordinate Systems .
Tracking Coordinates . . . . . . . . .
Measuring Geodetic Distance . . . . . .
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Using Images
Using Feature Classification .
Understanding Raster Images
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Contents
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Supported Image Formats . . . . . . . . . .

Using the Raster Extension Features . . . . . . .
Inserting Raster Images . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correlating Images During Insertion. . . . . . .
Hiding, Unloading, Detaching, and Erasing Images . . . .
Hiding Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unloading Images . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detaching Images. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Erasing Images. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Image Display Order . . . . . . . . .
Viewing Image Information . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing Image File Paths. . . . . . . . . . . .
Naming Images . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifying Image Properties . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing Image Frame Properties . . . . . . .
Adjusting Image Brightness, Contrast, and Fade . . .
Changing Image Location . . . . . . . . . .
Changing Image Rotation, Width, Height, or Scale . .
Modifying Image Transparency and Transparency Color
Clipping Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part 2
Chapter 7
Creating and Adding Data .

Digitizing Maps .
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Bringing Data into Autodesk Map . . . .

Digital Data . . . . . . . . .
Digitizing Overview . . . . . . .
Planning . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map Suitability . . . . . . . .
Global Coordinate System . . . . .
Layer Organization . . . . . . .
Using Linetypes and Layers . . . .
Tiling Maps . . . . . . . . .
Data Storage: Internal or External . .
Node, Network, and Polygon Topologies
After Digitizing . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Up Maps . . . . . . .
Chapter 8
Using Coordinate Geometry .
Overview of Coordinate Geometry . . . .

Specifying Points Using Coordinate Geometry
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Using Angle and Distance. .

Using Bearing and Distance .
Using Deflection and Distance
Using Azimuth and Distance .
Measuring Coordinate Geometry .
Chapter 9
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Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools .
Understanding Drawing Cleanup . . . . . .

Selecting and Anchoring Objects . . . .
Specifying How to Convert Objects. . . .
Correcting Errors . . . . . . . . .
Error Markers. . . . . . . . . . .
Map Cleanup Processes . . . . . . .
Correcting Nodes . . . . . . . . .
Saving and Loading Settings Using Profiles .
Understanding Editing in Autodesk Map . . . .
Using Autodesk Map Editing Tools . . . .
Edge Matching . . . . . . . . . .
Moving, Rotating, and Scaling Objects . .
Defining Text Insertion Points . . . . .
Rubber Sheeting . . . . . . . . . .
Breaking Objects at Map Boundaries . . .
Trimming Objects Using a Closed Boundary .
Using Polygons and Closed Polylines . . . . .
Creating Polygon Objects . . . . . . .
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Importing and Exporting Maps .
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Using Data from Other Sources . . . . .

Information in External File Formats .
Importing Data . . . . . . . . . .
Importing Maps from Other Programs .
Specifying Data to Import. . . . .
Specifying How to Import Points . .
Importing Autodesk MapGuide SDF Files
Importing Raster Files . . . . . .
Managing Imported Data . . . . .
Exporting Data . . . . . . . . . .
Exporting Maps to Other File Formats .
Exporting to Autodesk MapGuide Files
Exporting Raster Images . . . . .
Using Profiles . . . . . . . . . .
Import Profiles . . . . . . . .
Export Profiles . . . . . . . .
Chapter 10
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vii
Creating Closed Polylines from a Topology

Filling Closed Polylines . . . . . . .
Chapter 11
Creating Map Topology
Understanding Topology Functions

. . .
Advantages of Using Topology . . .
The Autodesk Map Topology Model . .
Defining and Creating Topology . . . . .
Removing Erroneous Data . . . . .
Creating a Topology . . . . . . .
Saving a Topology . . . . . . .
Administering and Editing Topology . . .
Administering Topology . . . . .
Editing Topology . . . . . . . .
Highlighting and Identifying Topologies
Topology Completeness. . . . . .
Chapter 12
Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing .
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Saving Attribute Data in External Databases .

Understanding Databases . . . . . . . .
What Is a Data Source? . . . . . . .
Benefits of Linking External Data to Objects
Data Sources and the Project Workspace .
Attaching Data Sources to a Project . . . . .
Universal Data Link (UDL) Files . . . .
Connecting and Disconnecting Data Sources
Viewing Tables in the Data View . . . . . .
Viewing Database Queries . . . . . .
Using the Data View. . . . . . . . . .
Formatting Columns. . . . . . . .
Freezing and Hiding Columns . . . . .
Sorting Records in the Data View . . . .
viii
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Understanding Object Data . . . . . . .

Defining Object Data Tables . . . . . . .
Renaming and Deleting Object Data Tables
Modifying an Object Data Table . . . .
Attaching Object Data to Objects . . . . .
Editing Objects with Attached Object Data.
Editing Object Data . . . . . . . . . .
Using Object Data in Queries . . . . . . .
Using Object Data with Property Alteration
Chapter 13
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Filtering Records in the Data View . . . . . .

Editing Tables in the Data View . . . . . . .
Printing Reports from the Data View . . . . .
Exporting Data from the Data View . . . . .
Linking Database Records to Drawing Objects . . . .
Understanding Links and Link Templates. . . .
Linking Objects to Data . . . . . . . . .
Highlighting Objects Linked to Selected Records .
Highlighting Records Linked to Selected Objects .
Converting Object Data to External Database Tables
Part 3
Analyzing Data.
Chapter 14
Using Queries to Analyze Data .
Chapter 15
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Understanding Queries . . . . . . . . . . .
Defining Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finding Objects Based on Location . . . . . .
Finding Objects Based on Properties . . . . .
Finding Objects Based on Internal Data . . . .
Finding Objects Based on External SQL Data . . .
Creating a SQL Condition. . . . . . . . .
Combining SQL Conditions with Other Conditions
Typing a SQL Condition . . . . . . . . .
Combining Criteria to Create Compound Queries .
Understanding Indexing . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking a Drawing for Indexes. . . . . . .
Creating Indexes . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing Indexes . . . . . . . . . . .
Editing Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Executing Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Preview Mode . . . . . . . . . .
Using Draw Mode . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Report Mode . . . . . . . . . . .
Executing Queries with SQL Conditions . . . .
Altering the Properties of Queried Objects . . . . .
Saving Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Saved Queries . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Understanding Spatial and Geographic Analysis

Network Tracing Analysis . . . . . .
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Contents
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ix
Analysis of Topology Overlays. . . . .

Buffer Analysis. . . . . . . . . .
Querying Topology Data . . . . . .
Dissolving Topologies . . . . . . .
Saving and Loading Settings Using Profiles.
Topology Applications . . . . . . . . .
Examples of Network Topology . . . .
Examples of Polygon Topology . . . .
Part 4
Displaying and Presenting Maps .
Chapter 16
Thematic Map Design .
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Plotting with Autodesk Map . . . . . . .

Understanding Layouts . . . . . . .
Defining a Plot Map Set . . . . . . .
Creating a Plot Set . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting the Plot Template Block . . .
Selecting Source Drawings . . . . . .
Retrieving Data to Plot . . . . . . .
Selecting Boundaries for the Plot Set . . .
Mapping Object Data to the Title Block . .
Specifying Plot Set Options. . . . . .
General Plotting Techniques . . . . . . .
Using Linetypes to Annotate Contour Lines
Creating Effective and Attractive Maps . . . .
Placing Text . . . . . . . . . .
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Understanding Thematic Maps . . . . . .

Creating Thematic Maps . . . . . . . .
Creating Thematic Maps Using Thematic Queries
Selecting Objects of Interest . . . . .
Creating a Thematic Expression . . . .
Setting Display Parameters . . . . . .
Sample Thematic Maps . . . . . . .
Creating Advanced Thematic Maps . . . . .
Chapter 17
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Glossary .
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Index .
257
Contents
Using Autodesk Map, you can create, maintain, ana-
In this chapter
lyze, and effectively communicate mapping informa-
Install the product
tion contained in multiple Autodesk Map drawings and
Before you begin

Welcome to Autodesk Map
related external databases.

Autodesk Map is an AutoCAD -based mapping product
2004
Autodesk Map: the GIS for
AutoCAD
that contains all the functionality of AutoCAD, as well
Autodesk Map basics
as its own powerful mapping tools designed for map-
Whats next
ping and geographic information systems (GIS) professionals.
Installing the Product

You can easily install and configure Autodesk Map on a stand-alone computer. Insert the product CD in the CD-ROM drive. Then in the Autodesk
Map CD Browser, on the Install tab, click Install. The Installation wizard
leads you through the installation process. The Autodesk Map CD Browser
also provides instructions for network installations and access to information
about technical support and licensing.
If you want more extensive information about installing a stand-alone version of Autodesk Map, you can consult the Stand-Alone Installation Guide.
To access this guide, in the Autodesk Map CD Browser, after you click Install
on the Install tab, click Stand-Alone Installation Guide (.pdf).
If you want more extensive information about deploying Autodesk Map on
a network, you can consult the Network Administrator's Guide. To access this
guide, in the Autodesk Map CD Browser, click the Network Deployment tab,
and then click Network Administrator's Guide (.pdf).
Once the product is installed, you can access either the Stand-Alone Installation Guide or the Network Administrator's Guide in the Help system.
Before You Begin

Before working with your existing drawings in the latest version of Autodesk
Map, you should consider migrating your data to this version.
Working with Previous Versions

Autodesk Map 2004 is built on AutoCAD 2004. Both Autodesk Map 2004 and
AutoCAD 2004 use a new and enhanced drawing format, AutoCAD 2004
Drawing (*.dwg), which differs from previous releases of Autodesk Map and
AutoCAD. The new drawing format supports the new mapping features
introduced in Autodesk Map 2004 as well as the numerous design features
introduced in AutoCAD 2004. Although this is a new drawing format, you
can still easily use it to share maps and drawings with people using previous
versions of Autodesk Map.
Chapter
If you are upgrading from Autodesk Map 6, 5, 2000i (Release 4.5), or 2000
(Release 4), you can open your drawings directly in Autodesk Map 2004. All
data and formatting created in these previous versions of Autodesk Map are
fully supported in Autodesk Map 2004. The only exception is the Oracle Spatial schema, which has been updated in Autodesk Map 2004. Autodesk Map
2004 cannot read schemas from previous versions nor can it automatically
upgrade a schema from a previous version.
Developers who have created applications using a previous version of the
Autodesk Map Application Programming Interface (API) should consider
updating their applications for Autodesk Map 2004.
For more information, see Sharing Files With Different Versions of Autodesk
Map on page 49.
Migration Assistance
Autodesk Map Migration Assistance helps you when upgrading to a new
release of Autodesk Map. You can download the Migration Assistance tools
from the Autodesk website in several languages. Available tools include
Layer State Converter

Batch Drawing Converter
AutoLISP Compatibility Analyzer
Menu and Toolbar Porter
Command Alias Porter
ScriptPro
After going to the Autodesk website, http://www.autodesk.com, perform a

search on Migration Assistance.
Note Because these are public tools, product support for them is limited to the
Autodesk discussion groups.
Working with Attached Databases

If you have drawings with attached databases, look up database tables,
migrating in the Autodesk Map online help index for more information.
Before You Begin
Welcome to Autodesk Map 2004

Autodesk Map 2004 is the premier solution for creating, maintaining, analyzing, and producing mapping information in a CAD environment. Autodesk
Map 2004 contains the object-oriented capabilities of AutoCAD software as
well as its own unique spatial data management and multiple drawing access
strengths. With Autodesk Map 2004, you can digitize, maintain, analyze, and
plot your own maps and map sets, and create thematic maps and legends.
You can work with multiple drawings and use information from external
data sources for all your mapping tasks.
Using Autodesk Map 2004, you can
Share files among users

Manage, retrieve, and store both graphic and nongraphic data
Link maps to associated databases
Add data to maps and make them more intelligent
Clean up maps
Build node, network, and polygon topologies for analysis
Produce thematic maps with legends
Create a library of standard objects that you can easily insert into your
drawing
Work with existing spatial data in other coordinate systems and file formats
Import data from other CAD and GIS systems
Export data to other formats
Plot maps and map books easily and efficiently
Autodesk Map: the GIS for AutoCAD

Using a geographic information system (GIS), you can capture, store,
retrieve, analyze, and display spatial data that emphasizes the spatial relationships among the objects being mapped. For example, a GIS can identify
a road as the border between wetland and urban development, or as the link
between two streets, rather than simply representing it as a line.
In addition to creating maps, Autodesk Map also acts as a GIS, allowing you
to develop topologies, a series of defined relationships between nodes, links,
and polygonal regions. You can analyze this information and store polygonal
or area-based data efficiently in topologies.
Chapter
With Autodesk Map, you can also link map features with text data from a
database and store the data in the drawing file as object data or in an external
database. To find more information, you can also define queries based on
topology, as well as on object data or external database records.
Autodesk Map Basics

Using Autodesk Map, you can create, maintain, analyze, and present accurate
maps, and manage multiple drawings and multiple projects. Youll do most
of your work using the Autodesk Map Project Workspace, the Map menu, and
the mapping toolbars.
Map
menu
Project
Workspace
Mapping
toolbars
The Project Workspace displays all the data you need to work with: attached
source drawings, queries, databases, and topologies, as well as the links you
have set up between objects in the attached drawings and records in the
attached external databases.
The following sections explain basic Autodesk Map concepts and terms and
refer you to other chapters in this book for further information.
Autodesk Map Basics
Managing Maps and Data

With Autodesk Map, you can access multiple maps or drawings at the same
time by using a project. A project is simply a DWG file that contains the set
of source drawings that you work with all the time, their related settings and
options, links to external databases, and saved queries. See chapter 1, Setting Up a Project.
Drawings attached to the project
Queries
Feature classes
Database tables
Topologies
Link templates
Each time you open a project drawing, the linked set of source drawings and
data sets for that project is available and ready for use, as shown above.
Drawing Sets
A drawing set contains the source drawings you use in a project. Drawing sets
can consist of sets of tiled drawings or stacked drawings and can be any combination of these sets. See chapter 1, Setting Up a Project.
Chapter
Creating Maps
Using Autodesk Map, you can create digital maps by digitizing existing paper
maps or by importing data. You can add graphic and data information to
objects as you convert existing data into digital form. See Chapter 7, Digitizing Maps, and Chapter 9, Importing and Exporting Maps.
Converting Coordinate Systems

Autodesk Map supports a comprehensive set of worldwide projections and
coordinate systems and a powerful set of conversion utilities for converting
the various coordinate systems of your source drawings into a common system. You can also create your own coordinate systems. See Chapter 5, Using
Coordinate Systems.
You can easily import and integrate coordinate system data from many
sources. You can also export coordinate system data into other file formats.
Storing Attribute Information

You can store nongraphic or attribute information about objects in the drawing file as object data or in external databases, including dBASE, Oracle,
Microsoft Access and Excel, and ODBC-compliant databases. With either
method, you can use queries to retrieve objects based on their attribute data.
You should evaluate your data storage needs before deciding whether to use
object data or an external database to store data related to objects.
For suggestions on when to store information in an external database, see
Using Internal Object Data or External Tables on page 37.
Editing and Cleaning Up Maps

The map creation process begins with digitizing maps and importing map
data, followed by cleaning up the map data. You will need to clean up your
data before creating topologies. See Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup
and Editing Tools.
Autodesk Map provides several tools to automate this process, including the
following:
Use the boundary clipping and map-edge cutting tools to create clean
breaks between objects, and precisely align edges between map sheets.
Select a map area for an enlarged inset, or cut out a space in the map for
annotations.
Autodesk Map Basics
Isolate sets of features from large data sets, edit this subset of data, and
save the data back to the original source drawings.
Querying and Analyzing Maps

A query is a set of criteria that limits the set of objects retrieved from source
drawings. In Autodesk Map, you use the query feature to retrieve objects
from source drawings and copy them into your project drawing. You can
then use the retrieved objects to create another drawing that serves as a
report or presentation. For more information, see Chapter 14, Using Queries
to Analyze Data.
Project drawing
Source drawings
Autodesk Map can retrieve a

subset of objects from multiple
source drawings and copy them
into the active project.
Using queries, you can
Chapter
Perform spatial queries or queries based on data associated with geographical features in order to analyze the information
Create simple or complex queries based on location, nongraphic object

data stored in the drawing, or tabular data stored in external databases
Save queries with your project or save them to an external file for use with
several projects
Create thematic maps altering the color, linetype, and text to show relationships graphically with internal object data or external SQL data
Creating a Library of Standard Objects

You can create a library of standard objects, called feature classes, that have a
predefined set of properties and data. You can easily add one of these features
to your drawing. See Chapter 4, Using Feature Classification.
Saving Source Drawings

After you use the query feature to retrieve objects, you can edit objects, add
new objects, delete objects, and then choose to save your changes back to
source drawings, or not. If you choose to save changes to source drawings,
you must specify the set of objects to be saved by creating a save set. If you
do not create a save set, your changes will not be saved to the source drawings.
For more information, see Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving Drawings.
Integrating Raster Images

You can insert georeferenced raster images produced in other applications
directly into your Autodesk Map drawings and use them as raster backdrops
to vector-drawn maps.
You can scale, rotate, and clip them, and once imported, use raster edges as
a trim cutting edge. See Chapter 6, Using Images.
Autodesk Map Basics
Presenting and Plotting Maps

Autodesk Map has a complete set of plotting tools for map sheets. You can
set up legends easily, add scale bars and title blocks, and save frequently used
groups of maps as map sets that you can edit and plot at different scales. See
Chapter 17, Plotting Maps.
Using the plotting tools, you can
Easily produce map books and use the plot boundary buffer feature to
include the edges of adjacent map sheets by specifying a distance beyond
the edge of your chosen map sheet
Create a template for the map title, legend, description, and specific display parameters you want to appear on each map in the series
Specify template variables that change automatically on each map sheet
Using Autodesk Map on a Network

Autodesk Map supports multiple users on a network. More than one user can
query, edit, and save changes to a drawing at the same time. However, users
cannot simultaneously edit the same object.
You can lock the subset of objects that you are working on without preventing other users from editing other parts of the drawing and associated data
sets. This is called object locking. When object locking is in effect, other users
can view the objects but not edit them. See Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving
Drawings.
Whats Next
Those of you new to Autodesk Map may want to work through the online
Tutorials. To open the tutorials, choose Tutorials from the Help menu.
These tutorials show you how to use Autodesk Map to complete many of the
tasks you need to know in order to create, maintain, and analyze maps.
Note We recommend that you copy and save the tutorial drawings, located in
the MapTut folder, in a backup folder. Then, if you want to repeat any of the tutorials, you will have the original drawings available.
10
Chapter
In addition, new and experienced users can access the following additional
Autodesk Map and AutoCAD information from the Help menu:
Autodesk Map Help TopicsOnline help for Autodesk Map features, procedures, and commands.
Whats New in Autodesk MapNew features for Autodesk Map 2004.
Online ResourcesLinks to web sites for product support, training, customization, and the Autodesk User Group International.
AutoCAD Developer HelpInformation for developers.
AutoCAD New Features WorkshopDescribes new features in AutoCAD.
Whats Next
11
12
Part 1
Working with Projects
Chapter 1
Setting up a Project
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Working with an Oracle Database
Chapter 4
Using Feature Classification
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Using Images
13
14
This chapter explains how to start Autodesk Map and
In this chapter
set up your projects. Within each project, you can spec-
Starting Autodesk Map
ify the set of drawings you want to use, the databases,
Starting a new project

Viewing source drawings
queries, and themes you want, and your option settings.
Using your projects

Understanding projects
15
Starting Autodesk Map

When you start Autodesk Map, you have several options for opening or creating drawings.
To start Autodesk Map
1 From the Start menu (Microsoft Windows) choose Programs. Then
choose Autodesk Map.
2 Do one of the following:
Open an existing fileOn the File menu, click Open. In the Select File
dialog box, navigate to the desired file.
Create a new fileOn the File menu, click New. You can start a new
drawing from scratch, select a template, or use a wizard.
For complete information on starting new drawings and opening existing

drawings, see Start and Save a Drawing in the Users Guide section of the
AutoCAD Online Manuals.
Starting a New Project

Projects let you organize how you view and work with your drawings. When
you set up your projects, you select the drawings that you will use with that
project, the databases you will use, the external documents, etc. Every time
you open that project, all those items are automatically available. For example, a town manager might create the following projects:
A Streets project, including all the street maps of the town and a database
of traffic flow information.
A Quadrant project, including the street map, sewer map, and electrical
map for a specific quadrant of the town. In addition, the town manager
could attach documents and videos that give additional information
about the sewers and the wiring.
A Schools project, including the street maps, the school zone map, and a
database of bus route information.
Before you begin, think about the drawings you have and how you want to
organize them. Remember that a drawing can be included in more than one
project. If you have database information, decide which information to
include with the project. Decide if you want to attach any external docu-
16
Chapter 1
ments, graphics, or videos. For more information about the type of items that
you can store with a project, see Using Your Projects, on page 32.
Project Drawings and Source Drawings

Any drawing can be used as a project drawing, and any drawing can be used
as a source drawing. Autodesk Map makes no distinction between source
drawings and project drawings. Any drawing you open in Autodesk Map will
be treated as a project drawing. Any drawing you attach to the current drawing will be treated as a source drawing while this project is open. You decide
how you want to set up your drawings.
Most users create a blank drawing that they use as the project drawing, and
then attach all the drawings that they will use with this project. For example,
you could create a new drawing called Sewer Systems and attach all the sewer
maps as source drawings.
Other users start with a drawing that contains the basic outline of their
project, then attach drawings that fill in the details. For example, you could
create a project drawing that contains the site map for a new development,
and then attach all the parcel drawings as your source drawings.
The group of source drawings attached to the project is called a drawing set.
17
Adding Drawings to Your Project

You specify that you want to use a drawing with a project by attaching the
drawing to the project.
Click the Drive Alias

button to define a
new drive alias.
Select the files you

want and click Add to
add them to the list.
You can attach files from many directories. When youve added all the files you want,
click OK to attach them to the project.
18
Chapter 1
Creating Drive Aliases

Autodesk Map provides a drive alias feature that allows different users working with the same projects and drawing sets to locate drawings.
If you plan to share drawings with others on a network, use aliases to locate
attached source drawings rather than hard-coded drive letters. For example,
if source drawings are stored in server:\acadmap\drawings, you might connect
to that location as drive J, and another user might connect as drive K. This
could make it difficult to share projects, since your projects would specify J:
as the location for the source files. However, if you both assign the same alias
to the location, for example, Autodesk Map Projects, you can share projects
regardless of location.
Autodesk Map provides a default alias called C. If you store drawings in a
location other than drive C, you must create aliases for the paths to your
source drawings before you attach them.
Everyone in your organization should assign the same alias to this location. This lets
Autodesk Map easily find files when you share projects.
19
Nested Drawings
You can nest projects. For example, suppose you create a Sewer Systems drawing and attach all the sewer drawings. Then you create a Water Systems drawing and attach all the water drawings. You could then create a City Services
drawing and attach both the Sewer Systems drawing and the Water Systems
drawing, and all the water and sewer drawings would automatically be
attached as nested drawings.
Water1.dwg
Water2.dwg
Water3.dwg
Water4.dwg
WaterSystems.dwg
Sewer1.dwg
Sewer2.dwg
CityServices.dwg
Sewer3.dwg
Sewer4.dwg
SewerSystems.dwg
Any drawing can be a project drawing and any drawing can be a source drawing. The
currently open drawing is the current project; any drawings attached to that drawing
are source drawings. If the source drawings have drawings attached, those nested
drawings are also part of the current project.
Autodesk Map assigns the nested drawings the same status as the top level
drawing. You can deactivate a nested drawing if the top level drawing is
active. However, you cannot see or activate a nested drawing if the top level
drawing is not active.
20
Chapter 1
Specifying Drawing Settings

Online Help Index
drawings, settings
After you attach a drawing, you can specify where it should appear in the
project drawing, whether it needs to be scaled, and whether it needs to be
rotated.
If you attach drawings that represent the quadrants of a city, you may
need to adjust the offset of the drawings so each drawing appears in its
appropriate location.
If you attach two drawings that are drawn to different scales, you need to
scale one of the drawings to match the other.
If you attach two drawings that use a different orientation, you need to
rotate one of the drawings to match the orientation of the other.
You can also specify a drawing description that makes the drawing easier to
identify in lists and set the save back extents for the drawing.
These settings are stored only in the project. They do not modify the actual
source drawing.
When you save changes back to source drawings, Autodesk Map restores the
transformed objects to their original rotation, scale, and offset.
Note If you have set coordinate systems in your source drawings and in your
project drawing, you do not need to use the transformation settings. Autodesk
Map will automatically adjust all the source drawings when it displays them in
the project and show objects at their proper coordinates.
21
Setting Scale, Rotation, and Offset

Online Help Index
drawings, transforming
In your projects, you want all the source drawings to display seamlessly
together. After you attach each drawing to the project, you specify how you
want that drawing to display in the project.
Project Drawing
Street Map
City Map
In this example, both the City Map and the Street Map are drawn to the same
scale as the project map and use the same point of origin, so neither of these
maps needs to be adjusted when attached to the project. However, the map
of Subdivision A is drawn to a much larger scale, so you must reduce its scale
and modify its offset so it displays correctly in the project. These modifications are stored with the project; they do not affect the Subdivision A drawing itself.
22
Chapter 1
Subdivision A
Set the scale so the subdivision

fits into the City Map
Set the offset so the

subdivision appears in the
proper place in the City Map
23
Setting, Viewing, and Resetting Save Back Extents

Online Help Index
drawings, save back
extents
When you add an object to a drawing, the drawing extents may expand and
intrude on boundaries of adjacent drawings. By specifying save back extents
you preserve a drawings boundaries relative to other drawings. While the
actual drawing extents might expand, the save back extents remain
unchanged.
If you dont specify save back extents, Autodesk Map uses the source drawing
extents as the save back extents.
The following illustration shows how the original drawing extents can
expand as you add objects. The dotted line represents the actual drawing
extents.
Specified save back

extents of drawing
New object
Expanded drawing
extents after adding
objects
After setting the save back extents, you can view the boundary rectangle. You
can also reset save back extents to the original extents of the source drawing.
If you set save back extents and also use the offset transformation option,
Autodesk Map offsets the save back extents the same amount.
24
Chapter 1
Setting Up External Databases

Online Help Index
external data
You can store information in a database, such as Oracle or dBASE and associate data with objects in your drawing.
For each database that you use, you use an information file called a UDL file
to tell Autodesk Map where to find information about that database. In addition, you create a link template that specifies how to link data from that database to the objects in your drawing.
When you set up a project, you need to specify which databases youll use.
Autodesk Map will automatically connect to these databases when you open
the project. Make a list of the databases that you use in the source drawings
for this project, and attach the same databases to the project.
To attach a database to a project, view your files using Explorer or My Computer, and drag the database onto the Project Workspace. For most database
types, Autodesk Map will automatically create the UDL file.
You can view your data from inside Autodesk Map using the Data View.
The project should also include any link templates that you use in the source
drawings attached to this project. If you use only a few link templates, you
can easily recreate them in the project. If you use a large number of link templates, you can copy them from the source drawing and paste them into the
project.
For information on attaching a database to your project and linking records
to objects, see Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External Databases.
25
Seeing Whats Attached to Your Project

The Project Workspace shows you information about the current project. It
displays all the items youve included in this project.
Drawings attached to the project
Queries
Feature classes
Database tables
Topologies
Link templates
Any drawings youve attached to the project are listed in the Project Workspace.
Whenever you open this project, these drawings are automatically attached.
26
Chapter 1
Viewing Source Drawings

Autodesk Map does not automatically display your source drawings. You
decide how you want to view these drawings.
Using Quick View

Online Help Index
Quick View
You can quickly view all the objects in one or more attached source drawings
by using Quick View.
Select the drawings

you want to view.
Quick View displays all objects in a particular source drawing as a temporary

static picture of the drawing. If you use Quick View to view multiple source
drawings, the Quick View will show one selectable picture for each source
drawing. You can zoom and pan, but you cannot select or edit individual
objects. When you regenerate or redraw, the Quick View pictures are cleared
from the project drawing.
You can plot the results of a Quick View. Quick View does not display shapes.
27
Online Help Index

viewing, full screen
Displaying a Full Screen

To view as much of your map on screen as possible and hide distracting
screen elements, such as toolbars and windows, you can switch to full screen
mode using Clean Screen.
When you activate Clean Screen, Autodesk Map hides all screen elements
except the map area, menu bar, and command line window, and sizes the
application window to cover the entire screen including the task bar.
You can quickly restore the screen elements to their previous state by deactivating Clean Screen.
Use Clean Screen to hide

distracting screen elements
and view as much of your
map as possible.
Deactivate Clean Screen to

restore screen elements to
their previous state.
28
Chapter 1
Using a Preview Query

Online Help Index
queries, Preview mode
You can view all objects in a specific area of the drawing or all objects that
share a specific property, such as color or elevation, by using a preview query.
To view all objects in a certain area, use

a Location Condition and select Window
as the Boundary Type
Click Define < to specify the window
Run the query in Preview mode to view any objects in the source drawing that are
within the specified location. A Preview mode query does not copy the objects into
the project drawing, it just displays them onscreen. If you want to copy the objects
into the project drawing, run the query in Draw mode.
Zooming the Project Extents

Online Help Index
drawings, zooming to
extents
Before you execute a query, you need to adjust the view of the project to
match the extents of the source drawing. If you dont adjust the project
extents, some or all objects may not be visible after you execute a query.
Use the Zoom Projects Extents command to zoom the project drawing to the
extents of the selected source drawings. The drawing coordinates in the
lower-left corner of the screen reflect the new extents of the project.
29
Controlling Layer Display with Key View

Online Help Index
Key View
The Key View feature lets you quickly view different layers in the active
source drawings depending on the zoom magnification. When you set up
Key View, you specify which layers to display at a given zoom magnification.
Like Quick View and querying in Preview mode, the Key View feature displays the contents of active source drawings. However, using Key View you
can display only the layers you want to see at particular zoom magnifications. Zoom in and more layers display; zoom out and fewer layers display.
For example, in a set of maps, you can zoom to the extents of the maps to see
only layers containing the major roads. When you zoom in more, you can
also see minor roads. When you zoom in even more, you see smaller streets
as well.
Key View provides an efficient way to view your drawings. Autodesk Map
doesnt waste time redrawing or regenerating objects that you cant see or
dont want to see. To use Key View, your drawings must be organized by layers. You must also know the width of the current viewport (drawing window)
at different zoom magnifications.
Online Help Index

viewports, measuring
As you zoom out of and into your drawing, the width in drawing units of the
current viewport increases and decreases. For example, if you zoom out to the
extents of a map of a large urban area, the width of the drawing window
might be 40,000 units. If you zoom into the drawing to display a single building, the width of the drawing window might be 800 units. If you specified
several Key View width settings, the layers displayed will change as you zoom
out and exceed each width threshold.
Once you have set the zoom magnification, you can use the Pan option to
move around your drawing. Key View continues to display only the layers
you specified for that width setting and zoom magnification.
Note You can plot a Key View.
30
Chapter 1
Viewing Documents Associated with Objects

Online Help Index
document views
With Autodesk Map, you can associate external documents with objects in
your drawing and then click an object and view the associated documents.
For example, you can:
Click a polygon that represents a parcel of land to view a deed of trust or

a photo of the plot.
Click an object that represents a fire hydrant to view a maintenance

spreadsheet.
Click a link that represents a sewer tunnel to view a video of that tunnel.
You associate the document with the object by defining a document view
that tells Autodesk Map where to find the document and what application to
use to view the document. You can add as many document view definitions
as you need. If you have a variety of documents you want to associate with
an object, you need a separate document view definition for each document.
Associate a document with all
objects in the drawing.
Associate a document with a specific object in the drawing.
Associate a document with all
objects that share a property, such
as layer or color.
When you use the View Associated Documents command and select an object,
Autodesk Map displays all the document views associated with that object.
Autodesk Map stores document view definitions in the project drawing.

One project can have multiple document views. When you are viewing documents, Autodesk Map lists the document views that apply to the selected
object. For example, if a document view definition specifies a specific document name, that view applies to all objects in the drawing. If the view definition specifies a property such as layer or color, the view applies to all
objects that share the property. However, if a view definition specifies a field
in a table, the view applies only to objects that are linked to the specified
table.
31
Using Your Projects

Now that youve set up your projects, youre ready to start using them.
You can view and edit objects from multiple source drawings in a single
project.
You can create topologies from points (nodes), lines, and polygons in your
drawings, then analyze the topology. See Chapter 11, Creating Map
Topology and Chapter 15, Analyzing Map Topology.
You can create thematic maps that use color, linetype, hatch, text, etc. to
call out specific items. See Chapter 16, Thematic Map Design.
You can run reports on objects in your source drawings, or on data

attached to those objects. See Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze
Data.
You can create customized maps that show only the objects you want. See
Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze Data.
Autodesk Map integrates multiple drawings into one seamless environment

providing access, editing, and reporting of drawing, attribute, and related
database information within a single Autodesk Map session.
Editing Objects in Source Drawings

To edit objects from source drawing, you must first copy those objects from
the source drawings into the project drawings. To copy the objects, you use
a query, which tells Autodesk Map which objects to copy.
You can create a global query that copies all objects, or you can target just a
few objects that you want to work with, such as all the objects on a specific
layer, all the objects in a specific location, or all objects that are blue.
If you want to query objects from only some of your source drawings but not
others, you can make those other source drawings temporarily inactive.
When you make a source drawing inactive, you tell Autodesk Map to ignore
the drawing during queries. To make a drawing inactive, change the setting
in the Drawing Settings dialog box.
After you edit an object, you can save it back to the source drawing. The
changed object overwrites the original object in the source drawing.
32
Chapter 1
If you work with other users who share files, Autodesk Map will lock the
drawings that you are working with so no other users can modify them. If the
other users are also using Autodesk Map, you can lock specific objects in the
drawing while the other users continue to work on the unlocked objects.
For more information on object locking, see Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving
Drawings.
Saving a Project
The project drawing file is a DWG file with additional project information,
including links to the set of source drawings you want to use, saved queries,
user options, links to external databases, and other settings. Autodesk Map
saves the project when you save the current drawing file.
When you save and close a project that contains queried objects, you lose the
association between the queried objects and the attached source drawings
and cannot save changes back to the source drawings. If you plan to work
with the queried objects later, save the query so that you can run it when you
are ready to edit the objects.
For more information on saving queries, see chapter 14, Using Queries to
Analyze Data.
Saving Changes
If you add changed and new objects to the save set, Autodesk Map prompts
you to save changes back to the source drawing files.
For more information on saving changes to source drawings, see Chapter 2,
Sharing and Saving Drawings.
Working with Multiple Projects

You can have more than one project open at one time and switch back and
forth between projects in a single Autodesk Map session. When you switch
to an open project, that project becomes active, and the Project Workspace
displays information about the project.
Sharing Projects
Other users can share a project drawing with you but they must open the
project drawing file in read-only mode. They cannot change any of the
project settings. See Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving Drawings.
Using Your Projects
33
Understanding Projects
A project contains links to the set of source drawings you want to use, saved
queries, user options, links to external databases, and other settings. Working
in a project you can query, edit, and save changes to attached source drawings. When you start Autodesk Map, a new project file appears in the project
workspace.
You can also open more than one project at a time and switch between
projects.
When you set specific project options, opening a project drawing automatically activates the source drawings and connects the external databases.
A project can include the following elements:
Drawing sets
Saved queries
Drawing indexes
Library of feature classes (standard objects)
Global coordinate system setting
External databases or object data
Link templates
Topologies
Themes
Key View definition
User options
Symbol table information
When you open a project, all these items appear as you last saved them. Each
of these is described below.
Drawing Sets
Online Help Index
drawing set
When you work with Autodesk Map, you can work with several drawings at
the same time, attaching the drawings to the project. The group of drawings
attached to the project is called a drawing set.
The drawing set can include other project drawings that in turn attach drawings. These nested drawings become part of the drawing set for the current
project.
34
Chapter 1
The following illustration shows how a drawing set can consist of a set of tiled
drawings or a set of stacked drawings that act like transparencies. Drawing
sets can also be any combination of stacked and tiled drawings.
Tiled source drawings
attached to the project
Project
Stacked source drawings

attached to the project
Project
For more information, see Adding Drawings to Your Project on page 18.
Saved Queries
Online Help Index
query library
If you want to use a query more than once, you can save it in the project
Query Library. There are two methods for saving queries: internal and external. Internal queries are stored in the project drawing and are only available
from within that project. External queries are stored independently and are
useful because you can share them with other users. You can edit externally
saved queries by editing the query files. For more information, see Chapter
14, Using Queries to Analyze Data.
Drawing Indexes
Online Help Index
indexes, creating for
drawings
Autodesk Map can execute most queries more quickly if you create indexes
for different types of queries, such as location, property, data, or SQL queries.
The program stores indexes in the drawing files. See Understanding Indexing on page 200.
Whenever you open a drawing that includes database links, Autodesk Map
automatically creates a database link index and keeps it in memory. This feature is especially useful when you edit your source drawings directly. See
Linking Database Records to Drawing Objects on page 182.
35
Feature Classes
You can create a library of standard objects, called feature classes. For each
feature class, you define what property settings the object should have, such
as layer, color, or lineweight; what data should be attached, such as object
data or links to an external database; and whether it should be part of a
topology.
Once you have created the library of feature classes, you attach the library to
a project. Using the library, you can easily add one of these features to your
project, and the new object automatically has the standard properties and
data. See Chapter 4, Using Feature Classification.
Global Coordinate System Settings

Online Help Index
coordinate systems
When working with maps in Autodesk Map, you can assign the appropriate
global coordinate system to each source drawing and then specify a global
coordinate system for the project drawing. Both the coordinate system code
and the coordinate system definition are saved in the drawing file. When you
query to retrieve objects, Autodesk Map automatically converts them from
the global coordinate system in the source drawing to the global coordinate
system in the project drawing. This operation is called coordinate transformation. When you save back to the source drawing, Autodesk Map restores the
objects to the original global coordinate system setting. See Chapter 5,
Using Coordinate Systems.
Enter the coordinate system you used for each

source drawing and the
coordinate system you
want to use in the
project, and Autodesk
Map will automatically
adjust all the source
drawings when it displays
them in the project.
36
Chapter 1
Using Internal Object Data or External Tables

Online Help Index
object data
external data
You can store attribute data associated with objects in object data tables,
which are stored in the drawing, and in external database tables. Using object
data, you can easily attach attribute information to objects. When you store
data in external databases you can carry out sophisticated queries, accessing
the databases from within Autodesk Map, and manage and report on the data
from the database application. The following table compares the two storage
methods.
Internal object data tables
External database tables
Increases drawing size; best for limited

amounts of data
Holds large amounts of data without

increasing drawing size
Data used only in one Autodesk Map

project
Data can be used in more than one

Autodesk Map project or in other
applications
Data can be maintained from within

Autodesk Map
Database must be maintained separately
Data relates only to a single object
Data relates to network of objects
Use if data does not change often
Use if data changes frequently
Quicker retrieval
Retrieval is slower
Data lost when object deleted
Data retained when object deleted
Use object data tables for small amounts of data that you dont change much.
Use external databases for larger amounts of data, data that comes from an
independent source, data you want to share between projects, or data that
needs to persist even if the object is deleted.
You can also convert your existing object data to external database tables
with links to objects. See Converting Object Data to External Database
Tables on page 188.
37
The following illustration shows how you might use data to store ownership
information with objects. You could use a query to retrieve objects, for example, where the type is commercial or where the address in on Hastings.
4701
TYPE=COMMERCIAL
OWNER=ADELTSI, INC
ADDRESS=5240 HASTINGS
AREA=3000
TYPE=COMMERCIAL
OWNER=CALUS, INC
ADDRESS=4701 MANOR
AREA=4700
5270
5240
TYPE=RESIDENTIAL
OWNER=ARGELLO, T
AREA=1500
5280
TYPE=RESIDENTIAL
OWNER=SMYTHE, R
AREA=1000
Data can either be attached directly to each object using object data, or it can be
stored in an external database with specific records linked to specific object.
For information about creating object data and linking objects to external
databases, see Chapter 12, Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing, and
Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External Databases.
Link Templates
Online Help Index
link templates
A link template is an alias for the connection between the project and an
external database table. After creating a link to an external database table,
you can link objects in your drawing with rows in the table. When you save
the project drawing, the link template is saved with the drawing.
For more information, see Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External
Databases.
38
Chapter 1
Data View Window

After connecting an external database to your project, you can use the Data
View window to view the information in the database in tabular format. You
can also use the Data View to link records in the database with objects in the
drawing, and then select, highlight, and view records attached to selected
objects or objects attached to selected records.
Data View
For more information, see Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External
Databases.
Topologies
Online Help Index
topology
With Autodesk Map, you can use topologies to perform spatial analysis,
including network tracing, shortest-path routing, polygon overlay, and polygon buffer generation. You can also determine conditions of adjacency (what
is next to what), containment (what is enclosed by what), and proximity
(how close something is to something else).
For more information, see Chapter 11, Creating Map Topology, and Chapter 15, Analyzing Map Topology.
39
Themes
Online Help Index
thematic maps
Thematic maps make information more visible by changing how objects

look. You can use thematic maps to tell a story by changing the map colors,
linetypes, symbols, text, or other features of your information. Once youve
defined a theme, you can apply it to new objects and use it with other maps.
For more information, see Chapter 16, Thematic Map Design.
Key View Definition

Online Help Index
Key View
The Key View feature lets you quickly view different layers in the active
source drawings at different zoom magnifications. When you set up key view
definitions, you specify which layers to display at a given zoom magnification. If your drawings are organized in layers of varying detail, you can view
major features when you zoom drawing extents and view details when you
zoom in. You must organize drawings by layers to use Key View.
For more information, see Controlling Layer Display with Key View on
page 30.
User Options
Online Help Index
options, Autodesk Map
You can set a variety of options that control the way Autodesk Map operates.
Each project can have its own project options saved in the project drawing.
The local acadmap.ini file contains saved user and installation options. In
addition, a system administrator can set options for all Autodesk Map users
in the system. A binary file called acadmap.sys contains saved system-wide
options.
Symbol Table Information

Online Help Index
drawings, viewing
information
In Autodesk Map, nongraphic information such as block definitions, layers,

groups, and text styles is stored in symbol tables.
If two drawings use the same name for a symbol table, Autodesk Map will use
the symbol table definition from the first retrieved object that uses that symbol table. For this reason, the order in which you attach drawings is important. It can affect the properties of objects retrieved by queries.
To maintain consistency between drawings, you can store symbol table information in the project drawing. For example, if you define a LAYER_A in the
project drawing, Autodesk Map applies the project definition of LAYER_A to
objects retrieved from LAYER_A in all source drawings, and when you save
back, applies the project layer definition to the saved objects.
40
Chapter 1
SecurityPasswords and Digital Signatures

You can add a password, digital signature, or both to a project or drawing to
help protect the drawing and maintain its authenticity when collaborating
with others.
Note When you assign a password or digital signature to a drawing, its

assigned to the project drawing only. To assign a password or digital signature
to an attached drawing, you must open it separately (as you would a project
drawing) and then assign the password or digital signature to it.
Online Help Index
maps, using passwords

passwords (encryption
passwords)
Online Help Index

digital signatures, learning
more about
A password encrypts the drawing and prevents unauthorized people from

viewing or using it. Other users cant view, attach, or access the drawing
until they enter the password.
To save you time and effort, you are only required to enter a specific password once per session. For example, if an attached drawing shares a password with the project drawing or another drawing you have accessed in
the current Autodesk Map session, you do not need to continue entering
the same password.
A digital signature identifies an individual or an organization through a

digital ID (certificate). Recipients of digitally signed drawings are provided
with reliable information about who created a set of drawings and
whether they were modified since they were digitally signed. This helps
maintain authenticity and provides a safe environment for sending and
receiving data.
41
42
With Autodesk Map, you can work with more than
In this chapter
one source drawing at a time, using only the parts of the
Understanding save sets
drawings that you need. For example, if you want to
Sharing drawings with other
users
work on objects at the intersection of four tiled drawings, you can execute a location query that spans the
intersection and retrieve only the objects you need,
regardless of drawing boundaries.
You can edit queried objects, create new objects, and
then save your changes back to the source drawings. You
can also choose not to save your changes back to the
source drawings.
In addition, you can share files with people using other
applications and previous releases of Autodesk Map. For
information about sharing maps with people using
other applications, such as ESRI ArcView and MapInfo,
see Chapter 9, Importing and Exporting Maps on page
111.
43
Understanding Save Sets

Online Help Index
save sets
If you intend to edit queried objects and then save them back to source drawings, you must specify the objects you want to save back to source drawings
by adding them to the save set. Then, when you save the project drawing,
Autodesk Map prompts you to save the objects in the save set back to their
source drawings. If you have not added modified objects to the save set, you
can save the modifications to the project drawing or to a new drawing, but
the changes are not saved back to the source drawings.
Define a query
Reviewing and working
with source drawings
without modifying them
Editing source drawings

Execute a Draw
mode query
Review, modify, add,

and delete objects
Modify, add, and delete

objects
Select objects for save

back (create save set)
Save the drawing with a

new name or plot the
results
44
Chapter 2
Save changes and new

objects back to the source
drawings
The editing process involves the following general steps:

1 Use the query feature to retrieve objects for editing. For information on
defining and running queries, see Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze
Data.
2 Modify, add, or delete objects.
3 Add the objects to the save set. For information, see Adding Objects to
the Save Set in the following section.
Note If you are sharing source drawings with other users, you need to add
the objects to the save set before you modify them. This locks the objects so
other users cant edit them at the same time as you.
For more information on locking objects, see Sharing Drawings with
Other Users on page 47.
4 Save the objects back to the source drawings. For information, see Saving
Your Changes on page 46.
Adding Objects to the Save Set

Online Help Index
save sets, options
You can either add objects to the save set automatically when you modify
them or manually select objects to add to the save set.
Any time you edit a queried object, Autodesk Map asks if you want to add
the object to the save set. If you intend to save the object back to the
source drawing and you want to lock the object, choose Yes. If you choose
No, any changes will not be saved back to source drawings.
You can manually add an object to the save set.
When you create a new object, Autodesk Map does not prompt you to add
the object to the save set. If you want to save new objects to source drawings, you can manually add them to the save set or save them directly to
the source drawings.
After you add objects to the save set, you can view the objects currently in
the save set, and remove objects from the save set if you want.
Understanding Save Sets
45
Saving Your Changes

Online Help Index
save sets, options
When you finish editing, you can save your changes, additions, and deletions back to the source drawings. When you save the objects, you have a
number of options.
You can save the changes to the source drawings, to the project drawing,
or to both.
You can save modified objects, new objects, or both new and modified
objects.
When you save new objects to the source drawing, you must specify
which drawing to save them to. (Modified objects are saved back to their
original source drawing.)
You can set additional options related to the save back operation. For example, you can delete saved objects from the project after you save them.
Warning! If you are working with a source drawing from a previous release
and save back your changes, Autodesk Map updates the source drawing to the
current format. If you want to retain the source drawing as a previous release,
do not save back your changes.
You can use the SAVE, QUIT, NEW, and OPEN commands to end the current session and display the Save Objects To Source Drawings dialog box. The commands QUIT, NEW, and OPEN give you the opportunity to save changes or discard edits. If you choose to save your changes, the Save Objects To Source
Drawings dialog box appears. If you want to save your changes to the project
drawing only and not to the source drawings, cancel the Save Objects To
Source Drawings dialog box.
If you have enabled the automatic save option, you will be prompted to save
objects to the source drawings if there are objects in the save set. If you do
not save back when prompted, Autodesk Map creates an automatic save file
called autoX.sv$ for the project. The automatic save does not maintain the
association between the source drawings and the project.
Warning! Once you have saved changes back to the source drawings, you
cannot undo the operation. Therefore, you should make back up copies of the
source drawings before you begin working with them.
46
Chapter 2
Sharing Drawings with Other Users

Online Help Index
sharing drawings
Using Autodesk Map, multiple users in a network environment can share

drawings, and if a superuser enables object locking on your system, edit
different objects in the same drawing at the same time. In addition, Autodesk
Maps internal file locking mechanism tracks and controls file access so that
multiple users can open, activate, query, save back objects, and perform other
tasks without losing data.
Autodesk Map creates a DWK file for each attached source drawing you activate. While a DWK file exists, no other user can open the associated drawing
file. The DWK file has the same base file name as the DWG file and contains
information about the users working with the drawing, drawing status, and
so on. When all users deactivate the source drawing, Autodesk Map deletes
the DWK file.
Do not delete the DWK file unless there is a system crash and you are unable
to access the drawings. Be sure that no one else has activated the source drawings in the directory in the meantime.
Understanding File Locking

Online Help Index
locking drawings
Autodesk Maps internal locking mechanism controls access by other users to

your open drawing files and the active source files attached to open projects.
The following cases describe Autodesk Maps response as you work with these
files.
If a drawing file is open, using File Open, you and other users can attach
the drawing to a project, but cannot activate that drawing.
If a drawing file is attached to a project and active, you and other users can
use File Open to open the file as read-only, but cannot insert or externally reference the drawing.
If a drawing file is attached to a project and not active, you and other users
can use File Open to open the drawing, or can activate the drawing
from a different project file.
47
Enabling Object Locking

Online Help Index
locking objects
The object locking feature lets multiple network users simultaneously retrieve,
edit, and save back different objects while working in the same source drawing. If object locking is not selected, only one user can have write access to
an active drawing.
If object locking is enabled, two network Autodesk Map users can edit different objects in the same drawing at the same time, but cannot edit the same
object at the same time.
Online Help Index
Only a superuser can change object locking settings.
users, setting up
Note You cannot disable object locking while drawings are active.
Editing Drawings in a Multi-User Environment

When you share a source drawing with other users who are making changes
and saving them back to the source drawing, you must make sure you have
the latest version of the objects you plan to edit. If you and another user
retrieve the same objects from a source drawing and the other user changes
them, adds them to the save set, and saves them back, your project will not
reflect those changes.
When you add objects to the save set, Autodesk Map notifies you that the
drawing has been changed by another user since you performed your query.
To ensure that you have the most current version of all objects, perform a
Draw query just before you add objects to the save set.
Online Help Index

locking objects
Note If you plan to modify an object, add the object to the save set before you
begin your modifications. This locks the object and prevents other users from
adding it to their own save sets.
If another user is in the process of retrieving objects or saving changes to
source drawings at exactly the same time you try to add objects to the save
set, Autodesk Map will notify you if it is unable either to add the objects to
the save set or save back, and presents three options:
48
RetryLets you wait until the drawing is free and retry the save back.
SkipLets you skip to the next drawing if you are processing objects from
more than one source drawing and you reach a drawing that is locked.
CancelCancels the save back.
Chapter 2
Identifying the User Who Has an Object Locked

Online Help Index
locking objects, viewing
lock owners
Autodesk Map prevents you from editing locked objects in the following circumstances:
If you attempt to edit an object in a file locked by another user, Autodesk

Map warns you that the file is locked and identifies the user. Autodesk
Map presents you with three options: Retry, Skip, and Cancel.
If you attempt to edit an object that was locked by another user, Autodesk
Map displays a message that the object has been locked when you try to
add the object to the save set.
You can use the Who Has It operation at any time to find out who locked an
object.
Note If the DWK file has been deleted, user names are no longer available.
When this happens, Autodesk Map displays user names and project names as
*UNKNOWN*.
Releasing Locked Objects

Online Help Index
locking objects, releasing
locks
If a system failure occurs while objects are locked, you must manually release
the object locks. However, only a superuser can remove locks set by other
users.
Note If a drawing is activated in another users project, you will not be able to
release locks in that drawing.
When you remove locks, the object is also removed from the save set. You
can restore the locks by adding the objects to the save set again.
Online Help Index

previous release formats
(of Autodesk Map)
Sharing Files With Different Versions of

Autodesk Map
Autodesk Map 2004 uses a new and enhanced drawing format, AutoCAD
2004 Drawing (*.dwg), which differs from previous releases of Autodesk Map.
The new drawing format supports the new mapping features introduced in
Autodesk Map 2004, as well as the numerous design features introduced in
AutoCAD 2004. Although this is a new drawing format, you can still easily
use it to share maps and drawings with people using previous versions of
Autodesk Map.
49
Online Help Index
Opening Files from Previous Releases of Autodesk Map
opening, previous
Autodesk Map formats
You can open drawings created in Autodesk Map 6, 5, 2000i, and 2000
directly in Autodesk Map 2004. All data and formatting created in these previous versions of Autodesk Map are fully supported in Autodesk Map 2004,
except Oracle Spatial schemas. The Oracle Spatial schema has been updated
in Autodesk Map 2004, and Autodesk Map 2004 cannot read schemas from
previous versions nor can it automatically upgrade a schema from a previous
version.
Online Help Index
Saving Files to Previous Autodesk Map and AutoCAD

Applications
saving, previous Autodesk

Map formats
You can save your Autodesk Map 2004 drawings to a previous drawing format. Use the Save As option on the File menu and choose the AutoCAD version you want:
To use your drawing with Autodesk Map 6, 5, 2000i (Release 4.5), or 2000
(Release 4), save your file as the AutoCAD 2000/LT 2000 Drawing type)
type.
To use your drawing with AutoCAD Release 12 or AutoCAD LT Release 2,

save your file as the AutoCAD R12/LT2 DXF type.
Autodesk Map strips out or converts any functionality that is specific to

Autodesk Map 2004 so that the drawing is compatible with the previous version. However, there are some limitations. For more information, see the
topic Sharing Files with Different Versions of Autodesk Map in the online
help.
Notes
Because there may be some data loss, it is recommended that you save the
file with a different file name so that you don't overwrite the current drawing.
If you use Autodesk Map 2004 to open a drawing created with a previous
release or create a new drawing, and you do not add any information specific to the current release, you can then save the drawing in the format
of the previous release without loss of data.
Updating Applications
Because Autodesk Map 2004 includes additional features and uses a new
drawing format, developers who have created applications in previous
releases of Autodesk Map should update their applications, and re-link and
recompile those applications. For detailed information about the changes to
the Autodesk Map 2004 application programming interface (API), refer to the
50
Chapter 2
online Autodesk Map API help files (AcMapAds.chm and AcMapAtm.chm) available in the Autodesk Map 2004\Help folder.
Using DXF Files

DXF (drawing interchange format) files are text files that contain drawing
information that can be read by other CAD systems. If you are working with
consultants who use a CAD program that accepts DXF files, you can share a
drawing by saving it in DXF format. You can also open DXF files in Autodesk
Map.
Opening DXF Files

Online Help Index
importing, DXF files
You can use DXF files created by other applications to bring information into
Autodesk Map. Autodesk Map objects imported from DXF files do not have
links to other objects. For example, a polygon that encloses a parcel ID is not
linked to the parcel ID in any way except visually.
You cannot use a DXF file as a project drawing or attach DXF files to project
drawings. You must first save them as drawing files.
Saving As a DXF File

Online Help Index
exporting, DXF files
You can create DXF files for use with previous versions of AutoCAD or with
the many other applications that support the DXF format. Simply use the
Save As option on the File menu and choose the AutoCAD DXF version you
want. For more information, see Work With Data In Other Formats in the
online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Note Topology information, links to external databases, and object data are
not maintained in the DXF files.
51
52
Working with an Oracle

Database
Because Autodesk Map supports Oracle Spatial, you
In this chapter
can use Oracle as a central data store for your drawing
Information for the database
administrator
data. The Oracle Spatial database stores drawing objects

as individual records. It also stores any attribute data,
Information for Autodesk Map
users
object data, or link templates associated with the objects

in separate tables. You can import this data into a drawing and edit and update records in the database from
within Autodesk Map.
53
Information for the Database Administrator

If you are a database administrator, you may be very familiar with Oracle but
you may not have any experience working with Autodesk products, such as
Autodesk Map. If you want to learn more about Autodesk Map in general,
reading the other chapters in this Getting Started manual will give you the
information you need to understand how the program works. It may also be
helpful to review the information for users in this chapter (see Information
for Autodesk Map Users on page 59).
This section of the chapter explains what you need to do to make Autodesk
Map work with Oracle. It also introduces the following concepts that will be
useful to you in setting up and administering an Oracle Spatial database to
work with Autodesk Map:
How Autodesk Map stores data in drawing (.dwg) files
How to set up the schema, including privileges needed by Autodesk Map

users to perform various operations
How the schema organizes the data exported from Autodesk Map
How Autodesk Map Stores Data

An Autodesk Map drawing is made up of objects or entities, such as lines,
arcs, polylines, points, and so on. These basic geometric entities define the
boundaries of the different areas of a map, the locations of buildings, the
sewer lines, or whatever other real-world objects are represented in the map.
In addition to these spatial entities, non-spatial data can be stored or linked
to the drawing in three ways:
54
As attributes attached to blocks

As object data, attached to any object
As links to external database tables
Chapter 3
Block Attributes
Drawing objects can be grouped together into blocks. Blocks can then be
reused elsewhere in the drawing or saved as files to be inserted into other
drawings. For example, in a map showing a citys water system, a block is
inserted on each piece of sewer pipe. The block consists of an arrow showing
the flow direction and three attributes showing the pipes diameter, material,
and length.
Block as it appears when

selected in the drawing
When you edit the map by inserting the block for a new run of pipe, you are
prompted to enter the attributes. After insertion, the attributes can be edited
in the Block Attribute Manager.
Attribute data
for block
55
Object Data
Object data is more powerful and flexible than block attributes because it can
be attached to any object in the drawing, not just to blocks. Object data
allows the user to create a simple database in the drawing that can be queried.
Object data is only available within Autodesk Map.
For example, in a city water system, the diameters of the water mains are
stored as object data for easy retrieval.
56
Chapter 3
Database Tables
Large amounts of data or data that is also accessed by other applications is
usually stored in an external database. The records in the database are then
linked to the objects in the drawing. For example, a city keeps its land parcel
drawings as Autodesk Map drawings, and ownership and taxation records in
a separate database. The linked data can be viewed and edited from within
Autodesk Map.
57
Setting Up the Flexible Schema

You can set up the Oracle database schema to handle data stored in feature
tables. This means that you can group data for export from, and import into,
your drawing files in a way that makes sense to you. For example, you can
define a feature table called roads that includes the layers streets,
roads, and bridges, and then use the feature table to create a roads
table in the Oracle schema. Users can then work with the data in this table
independently of the other data.
The Flexible, Feature-Based Schema Data Model

Refer to the online help for a list of the metadata tables used by the featurebased schema to describe the data it stores.
Defining Features
Features are groups, or classes, of objects that you specify. By defining features, you can set up importing and exporting based on the layers that your
users already use.
Each object in the drawing is on one layer only, and can be included in only
one feature. Each feature is written to a separate table in the Oracle schema.
You can also specify the attribute data to be included in, or excluded from,
the Oracle tables.
It is a good idea to work out the hierarchy of features, layers, and attributes
before you start setting up the schema.
Working with Indexes

Before you can import objects from an Oracle Spatial database using an
import condition based on location, you must create spatial indexes in the
database. A spatial index is similar to an index in a book in that it references
a particular item of data to a specific location. When you use the Create
Indexes option, you create an R-tree index for each feature table in the current schema.
Note that while the advanced Oracle schema creates R-tree indexes, it can
work with both R-tree and quadtree indexes.
Extents are maintained for each feature table. When you export updated or
new objects, Autodesk Map automatically updates the extents information
stored in the Autodesk Map metadata table.
It is a good idea to recreate or retune your indexes periodically, especially if
you notice a performance degradation or after you update the extents information. For information, refer to your Oracle documentation.
58
Chapter 3
Managing Locking
If you have superuser privileges in Autodesk Map, you can control whether
locking is enabled for a particular schema. Locking applies to the entire
schema, not to individual tables.
Locking is a way to manage concurrent access to data by two or more users.
It is essential in any situation where more than one user can access the data
at the same time. This ensures that users cannot destroy or corrupt other
users data. However, locking is optional. Users who have no need to lock
records can edit objects and update the database without enabling locking.
It is recommended that you decide whether to use locking for a particular
schema, let users know, and then not change it afterwards.
When locking is enabled, all objects in the EditSet are locked. Any objects
that users edit that were imported from the Oracle schema are automatically
added to the EditSet. In addition, users can manually add and remove objects
from the EditSet. The user can then update the database by running the
Update option of the Export command. For more information on the locking
commands available to users, see Using Edit Sets and Locking, on page 61.
Information for Autodesk Map Users

As an Autodesk Map user, you may not have used an Oracle Spatial database
before. Using Oracle to store data for your drawing data offers great advantages of convenience and ease of access. However, it may also involve some
changes to the way that you work. This section introduces some methods
and practices that will help you make the most of Oracle in your map editing
and maintenance tasks.
Using a drawing as a template

Managing drawing standards and coordinate systems
General tips and suggestions
Using a Drawing as a Template

You create the database by exporting the contents of a drawing or multiple
drawings to an Oracle Spatial database schema that has been previously
defined by the database administrator. You have the option of erasing the
exported objects from the drawing. Erasing the objects prevents duplicate
objects in the schema tables and essentially creates a blank template drawing that you can then open whenever you want to import and edit the data.
You may want to leave some objects, such as a grid, in the drawing so that
59
you know where to find the objects you want to import. Leaving objects that
do not change, such as city boundaries or rivers, in the drawing can also help
you locate the objects you want to import.
SPATIAL
Export
Data is exported to the schema and erased from the drawing,
leaving the template drawing empty except for the grid.
Typically, you begin by exporting data from one drawing into the Oracle Spatial database. You then append data from other drawings to the same schema
by running the Export command from within those drawings.
Editing Drawings
When you need to edit a drawing, you import the objects you want from Oracle into Autodesk Map with a location-based query or with a query based on
a display property, such as a layer. You can also type or paste in SQL conditions. You can restrict the features included in a condition.
SPATIAL
Import
Selected data is queried into the template drawing
from the schema.
60
Chapter 3
When you have made the changes, you can update the database, erasing the
changed objects from the drawing again.
SPATIAL
Update
Edited objects are written back to the schema and erased from the drawing,
leaving the template drawing empty except for the grid.
Using Edit Sets and Locking

The database administrator specifies whether locking is implemented for a
particular schema. When locking is implemented, objects in the EditSet are
locked and no other user can edit them. Whether or not locking is implemented, the objects in the EditSet can be saved back to the database.
Objects are automatically added to the EditSet when you edit them, for
example by moving them or erasing them.
Objects are automatically removed from the EditSet when you export the
objects back to the database and select the Update option.
Drawing Standards and Coordinate Systems

It is recommended that you export all drawing data to a single schema. The
main reason for this recommendation is that Autodesk Map only queries and
allows updates to one schema at a time. If you have more than one schema,
you will have to close one connection and then open another one to get at
the data stored in that schema. Therefore you will find it more convenient in
most situations to maintain one seamless database for all your drawing data.
61
In the following circumstances, you may need to maintain multiple schemas:
If you have drawings with different coordinate systems. Autodesk Map

does not check or convert coordinate systems when exporting to, or
importing from, Oracle. Put data from each coordinate system into a different schema.
If you have drawings with different drawing standards for properties such
as layer names and definitions or linetypes. To avoid conflicts, make sure
that all the drawings in the same schema use the same drawing standards.
General Tips and Suggestions

This section contains suggestions to help you get the best results when you
use Autodesk Map with Oracle.
62
Make sure that your drawings all have the same definitions for layers,
blocks, object-data tables, and other symbol tables before you start exporting them to Oracle Spatial. If a drawing has definitions that are not the
same as those already in the schema, the conflicts will stop the export.
When you import data from the database, aim to import just the data you
need to work on. Use a location-based query in conjunction with a query
on display properties to limit the number of records retrieved.
The Export command is not intended to be used to update the database

and in fact it does not update existing records. Once you have exported
drawing data from a drawing, do not run Export again, as doing so will
result in duplicate records in the database. When you want to update
objects that have previously been exported, use the Update command.
To improve performance, detach your source drawings before exporting or

importing. The database connectivity established through the attached
drawings slows down the process. Also, if you are exporting large amounts
of data in batches, do not index the schema between exports as this slows
down the export process.
Make sure that the drawing is properly cleaned up before you export it the
first time. This is much more efficient than importing data, cleaning it up,
and then saving it back to Oracle.
Topologies are defined as object-data. If topology is the only object data

you have in a drawing, you can save time and space in the database by
excluding object data from the export with an option in the Export dialog
box.
Chapter 3
You use feature classification to organize objects in your
In this chapter
drawing based on the real-world features that they rep-
Overview of feature
classification
resent, for example, roads or manholes. When you cre-
Setting up feature classification
ate an object using feature classification, the object
Classifying objects
automatically has properties and values assigned to it
Editing feature data
based on its feature classification.
Selecting classified objects
63
Overview of Feature Classification

Online Help Index
feature classification,
overview
Use Feature Classification to create standard objects in your drawing. These

standard objects, such as Primary Roads, Secondary Roads, Lakes, or Rivers,
are called features. A feature class defines the set of standard properties for the
object. Standards are particularly useful in collaborative environments,
where many individuals contribute to the creation of a drawing.
When you use feature classification to create an object, the object automatically has the defined set of properties and data assigned to it. For example,
you can define feature classes for the various roads you use in your drawings.
When you use feature classification to create one of these roads, the road is
automatically assigned the properties and values that were specified in the
definition. For example, a polyline that represents a side road is automatically placed on the Secondary Roads layer, is blue, uses a thin lineweight, and
has object data associated with it that lists values for surface type and number
of lanes. A polyline that represents a highway is placed on the Primary Roads
layer, is red, uses a thicker lineweight, and has different values assigned for
surface type and number of lanes.
In addition to creating objects that automatically meet your standards, feature classification can ensure that the objects remain within the constraints
for the feature class. When you include a property in the feature class definition, you specify a set of allowable values for the property. When you select
a classified object (or feature) in your drawing and edit the values for a property included in the feature class definition, you can enter only values that
are within the range youve specified for this feature.
64
Chapter 4
When you select an object that was created using feature classification, the
properties that are associated with that feature class are displayed on the Feature Data tab of the Properties palette.
When you select a road in your drawing, the Feature Data tab shows all the properties
associated with the feature class Road. You can edit a value by clicking in the box and
selecting an item from the list.
Setting Up Feature Classification

Online Help Index
defining features
Before you can use feature classification, you must set up the features that
you want to use. This task is generally done by the CAD manager.
Note To create feature definitions, you must have Alter Feature Class privileges.
In a large organization, these privileges are mostly granted to the CAD manager.
If you dont have a CAD manager, you can log in as Superuser, using the default
password SUPERUSER. To log in, use the MAPLOGIN command.
Planning
The first step in setting up feature classification is to determine the standard
objects you use in your organization. These standard objects are called features. For example, if your organization produces road maps, you may want
a set of standard road objects, such as Primary Road and Secondary Road.
65
Next, determine which set of properties and data you want each feature to
have. For example, you may want all primary roads to be created using a
polyline, have a thick lineweight, be on the Primary Roads layer, and have
object data associated with them that lists values for speed limit and number
of lanes. Then, you want secondary roads to go on the Secondary Roads layer,
have a thin lineweight, and include information on surface type.
Creating a Hierarchy of Feature Classes

You can create a hierarchy of feature classes. When you base a new feature
class on an existing feature class, the new feature class has all the properties
of the base class. You cannot change these base properties, but you can
modify the values of the base properties, and you can include additional
properties.
For example, you can define a feature class called Road that has the basic
properties you want to assign to all roads. You can then define a feature class
called Primary Road, and base it on Road. Because it is based on Road, it will
automatically include all the properties selected for Road. Then you can add
the additional properties you want for the Primary Road class.
For each base class, decide if you want people in your organization to be able
to create objects in the drawing using that feature class. For example, you
may not want the feature class Road to be used to create roads in the drawing.
Instead, you want people to create roads using either the Primary Road or
Secondary Road classes that are based on the Road class.
Creating the Feature Definition File

Online Help Index
feature definitions,
definition file
The feature definition file contains information about all of the feature
classes you define. For each feature class, the definition contains information
about the properties of the feature and the way the feature should be created.
As a general rule, you want to use the same feature definition file across all
your drawings. This ensures that you have the same feature definitions for all
drawings attached to a project.
If your organization uses a set of drawing templates, attach the feature definition file to the template.
The path to the feature definition file is stored in the drawing. If you work in
a network environment, you should store the feature definition file on the
network in a directory where all the people in your organization have access
to it. In addition, if you use custom icons for the feature classes, you should
store these in the same place as the feature definition file.
66
Chapter 4
Creating Sample Objects

You define a feature class by pointing to a sample object in your drawing that
has all the properties and attached data you want to include in the feature
class definition.
If you do not already have drawings with objects that can be used as samples,
create the sample objects. Attach any object data or external data, or make
the object part of a topology if you want to include that in the feature definition. For example, create a polyline and attach the object data that you
want to include in a Secondary Road feature.
Defining Feature Classes

Online Help Index
creating
Once you have attached the feature definition file and created the sample
objects, you are ready to define the feature classes.
For each feature class you define, you specify the following:
When you classify existing objects in your drawing, which object types
can be tagged with this feature class.
When you create a new object, which object type will be used to create the
feature, for example, polyline or circle.
Whether to base this feature class on an existing feature class
Whether this feature class can be used to create objects, or whether it is

only a base for other feature classes.
Which properties and data are included in the feature definition.
For each property that you include, what is the allowable range of values.
What icon is associated with the feature class. This icon appears in the
Project Workspace and the Expression dialog box.
Selecting Properties
When you define a feature class, you select the properties that you want to
include in the feature class definition. For each of these properties, you specify a set of values that will be allowed for objects in this feature class. For
example, if you include color as one of the properties, you can specify a set
of allowable colors, and all objects tagged with this feature class must have
one of these colors.
When a user selects an object that is tagged with this feature class and views
the Properties palette, the Feature Data tab displays just the properties
included in the feature class. When they edit values for those properties, they
will be able to enter only values that fall within the range you specified.
67
Specifying Ranges and Defaults

Online Help Index
feature definitions, ranges
For each property that you include in the feature definition, you specify a
range and a default.
The range represents the range of allowable values. When someone in your
organization creates a new object using this feature class, classifies an existing object with this feature class, or edits the properties of an object created
with this feature class, they must use values that are within this range.
For example, if you include an object data field for Speed Limit as part of the
feature definition, you might specify a range of 15-55 (entered as [15,55]).
These will be the only allowable values for this feature. You can specify a single allowable value, a list of values, or a range of values.
The default value is used when the existing value for an object does not fall
within the allowable range. For the default value, specify a single value that
falls within the range.
If someone classifies an object whose current value is not within the allowable range, the value is reset to the default. For example, if you include Speed
Limit as one of the properties of a feature class called Road, and assign a range
of 15-55 and a default of 35, then all objects classified as Road must have a
speed limit that falls within this range. If someone classifies an existing
polyline as a Road, but the polyline currently has speed limit of 65, the speed
limit is reset to 35.
When someone uses feature classification to create a new feature, the object
initially uses the current system settings for all properties. If any of these system setting do not fall within the allowable range for the feature class, the
property is automatically reset to the feature class default. For example, if the
current drawing lineweight is .40, when someone creates a Road, it initially
uses the lineweight .40. If this lineweight does not fall within the range specified for the Road feature class, the lineweight for the Road object is automatically changed to the default.
If you do not specify a range of allowable values, new features are created
with the system settings for the property, and the default is not used.
Creating a New Property

You can create a custom property. This property appears on the Feature Data
tab of the Properties palette, and users can edit the value assigned to it. For
example, you could create a property called Date Last Paved with no range
defined. Anytime a road is paved, you can enter a new date in the field.
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Chapter 4
Previewing Your Settings

Before you save your definition, you can view a table of all the properties
youve included in the definition and all the property attributes youve
assigned.
Modifying Feature Definitions

Online Help Index
modifying
You can modify a feature class definition by adding new properties or by editing ranges or defaults.
To modify a feature class, you must select an object in the drawing tagged
with the feature class you wish to modify.
Classifying Objects
Once you have defined the feature classes for your organization, you can
easily create new objects that automatically meet the standards set for the
feature class. For example, if you create an object by using the Road feature
class, youll create a polyline that is automatically on the correct layer, has
the correct color and lineweight, and has the appropriate object data
attached.
A classified object is called a feature. You can create a classified object by using
feature classification to create the object, or you can classify an existing
object.
When an object is classified, Autodesk Map checks the definition of the
feature class. Any properties that are included in the feature class definition
are automatically set to allowable values. In addition, if the feature class definition specifies that data should be associated with the object, the data is
automatically attached or linked to the object.
Note Creating new features and assigning feature classes to existing objects
does not require any special privileges.
Classifying Objects
69
Attaching a Feature Definition File

Online Help Index
attaching definition file
The feature definition file contains all the information about each feature
class: how to create it, what properties to include, and the allowable values
for each property. You or your CAD manager will have created this file. To use
feature classification in a drawing, the drawing must have the feature definition file attached. If you are unsure of the location of your feature definition
file, check with your CAD manager.
Creating a New Feature

Online Help Index
creating objects using
Creating an object using feature classification is exactly like creating an

object regularly. The only difference is that when you use feature classification, properties are automatically set to allowable values and data is automatically attached. In addition, the object is tagged with the name of its feature
class.
For example, when you create a Road using feature classification, you are
prompted to create a normal polyline. Autodesk Map automatically puts the
polyline on the Roads layer, changes its color and lineweight, and attaches
object data with information about speed limit and surface type.
Classifying an Existing Object

Online Help Index
assigning to objects
You can classify existing objects in your drawing. When you do, their properties are automatically reset to allowable values, and any data specified in
the feature class definition is added to the object.
If you classify an existing polyline as a Road, Autodesk Map automatically
moves it to the Roads layer, changes its color and lineweight to allowable values, and attaches object data with information about speed limit and surface
type.
When you classify objects, you can specify not to classify any objects that
dont already meet the feature class standards. These objects will be filtered
out of the classification.
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Chapter 4
Editing Feature Data

Online Help Index
editing feature data
You can easily edit the values for properties that are included in the feature
class definition. The Feature Data tab of the Properties palette lists only these
properties. When you edit the data on this tab, you are allowed to enter only
values that meet the standards set for this feature class. For example, when
you use the Feature Data tab to edit the lineweight of a Road feature, you can
enter only lineweight values that have been specified in the feature class definition. If you enter a value that is not within this range, the value is automatically reset to the default value.
You can use the other tabs on the Property window to edit any of an objects
properties. However, these tabs do not check that you are entering an allowable value. To reset values that you have entered elsewhere, open the Feature
Data tab and select the objects youve modified. When the Feature Data tab
is open, Autodesk Map checks all the properties included in the feature class
definition. If any values are out of range, they are reset to the default value.
Selecting Classified Objects

Online Help Index
selecting objects using
You can easily select all the objects in a particular feature class. You can also
select objects based on the specific setting of a feature class property.
Classified, Unclassified, and Undefined Objects

When an object is tagged with a feature class, it becomes a classified object.
You can select all the objects in a particular feature class or all objects that
have been classified with any feature class.
If an object has not been tagged with any feature class, it is considered an
unclassified object. You can select all unclassified objects.
In some cases, an object may be classified with a feature class, but may not
have access to the definition for that feature class. These objects are considered undefined. An object becomes undefined if the drawing cannot locate
the feature definition file, or it the object was created using a different feature
definition file than the one currently attached to the drawing. You can select
all undefined objects.
Editing Feature Data
71
Selecting Objects Based on Feature Class

Properties
You can select objects based on values associated with their feature class. For
example, if you have a custom property called Creator that lists the name of
the person who created the object, you can quickly find all objects created by
a specific person.
You can also find objects in a particular feature class that have a particular
data value. For example, you can find all Road features that have four lanes.
Use Quick Select to find objects based on a specific feature class property.
Selecting Objects in Source Drawing

You can use queries to find objects in source drawings based on their feature
class or on a specific feature class property. You can query objects based simply on their feature class name, or you can define conditions to find objects
that have specific values in their feature class properties.
You can also use queries to modify objects based on their feature class, add
text to objects based on their feature class, or create a report of feature class
values.
For more information about using queries, see Chapter 14, Using Queries
to Analyze Data.
72
Chapter 4
Most maps use some form of coordinate system to rep-
In this chapter
resent the curvature of the Earths surface on a flat
Understanding map projections
plane. Each coordinate system uses a different mathematical model to calculate this representation. With
Autodesk Map, you can combine maps created with
Understanding coordinate
systems
Global coordinate systems in
Autodesk Map
different coordinate systems by converting data using

various coordinate systems in several source drawings to
a single global coordinate system in one base map.
73
Understanding Map Projections

It is difficult for map makers to represent a spherical surface area, such as the
Earths surface, on a flat plane. Projections provide many methods for converting a point from a spherical coordinate (latitude and longitude) to a planar
Cartesian (X,Y,Z) coordinate. Because CAD systems describe objects with Cartesian coordinates, a planar coordinate system must be in place and evident
on the map before you can begin digitizing or importing maps with different
coordinate systems. Keep the following points in mind:
It is important to annotate all maps with the projection and related

parameters of a digitized map. This information is required for calculations with global coordinate systems.
You can digitize a map based on its latitude and longitude coordinates,
however you must apply a global coordinate system to give an accurate
representation of an area. See Global Coordinate Systems in Autodesk
Map on page 77 for information about selecting a suitable system.
Map Projections in Autodesk Map

All map projections distort the Earths surface to some extent, stretching it in
some directions and compressing it in others. Distortions resulting from different projections include area, shape, distance, direction or azimuth, and
angles. A map or parts of a map can show some of these features:
True direction
True distance
True area
True shape
For example, only the Mercator projection represents the true direction of
straight lines, yet it greatly distorts distances and areas near the poles.
No one projection is best overall. Projections that preserve area are called
equivalent, or equal-area, projections. Others, called conformal projections,
maintain local angles. However, the farther one gets from predefined standard lines on the map, the more equal-area projections distort the shape of
the objects and the more conformal projections distort the area.
On an equidistant map, distances are true only along lines radiating from the
center of the projection. Area sizes on conformal maps are distorted although
shapes are true; equal-area maps distort shapes. The extent and kinds of distortion also vary according to the projection used.
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Chapter 5
Choosing a Projection System

A projection system can be visualized as the method used to wrap a flat sheet
of paper around the Earth. Data is then projected from the Earths surface to
the paper. You can choose a projection system based on the area that you
want to map. Based on your map shape, you can use one of these map projection types:
WideTo map a wide area, such as the state of Montana in the USA, you
want latitude lines to show the least distortion. You can use a coordinate system based on the Lambert Conformal Conic projection.
TallFor a tall area, such as the state of Idaho in the USA, in which the northsouth extent is the greatest, you want longitude lines to show the least distortion. You can use a system based on the Transverse Mercator projection.
LargeFor areas that include both hemispheres, such as North and South
America, you can use the Mercator projection.
Tall area
Wide area
Map Scales and Distortion

A map scale is a proportion or ratio between a map measurement and the corresponding measurement on the ground. Scale is usually expressed as a ratio
or fraction. For example, a scale of 1 to 10,000, means that a measurement of
1 unit on the map represents 10,000 units on the ground. A map with less
detail is termed a smaller-scale map because the scale expression is a smaller
fraction; 1/10,000 is larger scale than 1/100,000.
Understanding Map Projections
75
Map scales can be divided into three categories:
Small-scale maps with scales smaller than 1:1,000,000

Medium-scale maps with scales between 1:75,000 and 1:1,000,000
Large-scale maps with scales larger than 1:75,000
The map scale for a given projection determines the usefulness of a map. For
example, a Mercator projection of North America shows great distortion at
small scales but is ideal for a small area such as a 1:24,000 scale county map.
Understanding Coordinate Systems

Autodesk Map uses a global coordinate system to convert latitude and longitude coordinates into a Cartesian (X,Y,Z) coordinate system. A global coordinate system is usually defined by a projection, ellipsoid definition, datum
definition, one or more standard parallels, and a central meridian.
Coordinate Systems and Origins

Many different coordinate systems and origins are used across the world, and
each country has its own coordinate system and origin. For example, the
Ordnance Survey in Britain has an origin point southwest of the Isles of
Scilly, and the system in the Netherlands uses an origin point near Paris. In
some cases, individual counties, states, and cantons have their own origins
and systems.
Coordinate Transformation
When you retrieve objects from source drawings, Autodesk Map automatically converts them to the global coordinate system of the project drawing.
This operation is called coordinate transformation. When you save objects back
to source drawings, Autodesk Map reverses the conversion.
Online Help Index

coordinate systems,
transformation options
Coordinate transformation allows the manipulation of the coordinate geometry using various mathematical projections, adjustments, transformations,
and conversions. By making adjustments for size, scale, rotation, and elevation, you can modify how Autodesk Map performs coordinate transformations.
After you bring objects into the project, if you plan to save changes back to
source drawings, do not change the coordinate transformation options. The
save-back process uses the original settings to determine whether adjust-
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Chapter 5
ments are necessary to restore objects to the correct coordinate system when
you save them back to source drawings.
Note The Autodesk Map simple transformation options, available in the Drawing Settings dialog box, cannot be used with coordinate transformations. If you
assign a global coordinate system code to a map drawing, the simple transformation options are not available.
Geodetic and Non-Geodetic Coordinate Systems

Online Help Index
coordinate systems,
geodetic
All geographic data is created in some coordinate system, and in the context
of some datum. A datum refers both to the ellipsoid information and the
techniques used to determine positions on the Earths surface. Some coordinate systems only specify the ellipsoid; these are non-geodetic. Coordinate
systems that specify the complete datum are geodetic.
Before you assign coordinate systems to project or source drawings, you
should know what type of coordinate systems you are using, what datums
they use, and what kind of conversions you will be performing. You need to
know which conversion option you are using and what the results of the
option will be.
Most of the coordinate systems supplied with Autodesk Map are geodetic, but
about ten percent are non-geodetic. Therefore, you should determine
whether the coordinate systems you use are geodetic or non-geodetic before
you assign a global coordinate system to a project drawing. Extra care should
be taken when using non-geodetic coordinate systems. If you have data in a
drawing that uses a non-geodetic coordinate system, but don't know what
datum the data came from, you might introduce errors if you convert the
drawing to a geodetic coordinate system.
Global Coordinate Systems in Autodesk Map

The global coordinate system is a description of the origin of your map, the
projection system used, and the units you are using; it describes how the
sphere of the Earth is projected onto a sheet of paper and converted to the
Cartesian coordinate system.
77
Choosing a Global Coordinate System

With Autodesk Map, you assign a global coordinate system for your project
drawing and for the attached source drawings if the systems are different. See
Chapter 1, Setting Up a Project, for more information about setting up a
project.
If you do not have a specific global coordinate system to use, or if you need
to decide which system to use in your office or department, consider your
options in this order:
Use the same global coordinate system as other staff in your organization.
Use the same coordinate system as your most common data source.
Choose the global coordinate system used by people who share data with
you.
If the area is small, use the same global coordinate system as your local city
or county government. If the area is large, use the same system as the
state, regional, provincial, or national mapping group.
Ask surveyors, cartographers, consultants, and other mapping professionals for suggestions.
Assigning a Global Coordinate System

Online Help Index
coordinate systems,
assigning to project
coordinate systems,
assigning to source
drawings
coordinate systems,
removing from drawings
If you are working with data that uses a variety of projections and origins,
you need to set a default global coordinate system for the project drawing.
Once you have assigned a global coordinate system, that coordinate system
is used when you work with that drawing. This default should be changed
only after thorough consideration and should apply to all project drawings.
A code identifies the global coordinate system used for source drawings and
project drawings. For example, if you created a map using Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 27, US Survey Feet, you assign the code UTM-27F to the
map. The global coordinate system code and definition are stored in the
drawing file. This allows you to share the drawing with anyone using
AutoCAD Map2000i Release 4.5 or later and be sure that they are using the
correct coordinate system when working with the drawing.
If the current project drawing uses a different global coordinate system from
that of the source drawing, Autodesk Map converts retrieved objects from the
source drawings global coordinate system to the project drawings global
coordinate system. You must first provide Autodesk Map with the global
coordinate system of the source drawing.
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Chapter 5
You can assign a global coordinate system to the current project drawing and
to attached source drawings only if no objects have been queried from the
source drawings.
When the coordinate system you choose is assigned to the selected attached
drawings, a backup file, with a .bak extension, is made of each source drawing
without assigning the global coordinate system information.
Autodesk Map mapping and query options are ineffective if different projections and coordinate systems are used for a series of maps and data is combined for the different maps. You can set options to ensure that parts of a
map are not adjusted when you use a global coordinate system.
Using the Autodesk Map global coordinate systems requires many complex
calculations and can decrease performance for operations such as querying
and saving back objects.
Identifying a Drawings Global Coordinate System

Online Help Index
coordinate systems,
viewing for source
drawing
Online Help Index

coordinate systems,
defining
coordinate systems,
modifying
coordinate systems,
deleting
If an active drawing has an assigned global coordinate system, you can view
its code in the Drawing Settings dialog box.
Defining and Modifying Coordinate Systems

If no suitable coordinate system exists, you can define a customized coordinate system. You might need to define your own system if your map
Spans one or more countries or states that use different coordinate systems.
Shows a large geographical feature rather than an administrative boundary.
Does not match the alignment of the state plane or national standard
coordinate system. For example, you might be mapping an area with a
greater east-west extent in an area that uses a Transverse Mercator
(designed for greater north-south extents) projection.
For small (less than a square kilometer) projects that will not be integrated
with other maps, a random, assumed coordinate system is sufficient; and the
effects of the curvature of the Earth can be ignored. Digitizing maps for small
projects from state or national maps that use their own coordinate systems,
or base meridian, should not cause problems.
The available coordinate systems are stored in the coordsys.csd file. You cannot edit this file directly. Instead, you must use the Autodesk Map coordinate
system functions to remove custom systems that you do not require or to
rearrange the way that the categories and systems appear in the Define Global Coordinate System and Assign Global Coordinate System dialog boxes.
79
When you define a global coordinate system you must specify the following
parameters:
Map ProjectionUsed to convert points from latitude and longitude to

Cartesian coordinates.
and either
DatumReference point, line, or surface for mapping.

or
EllipsoidGeometric surface whose plane sections are all circles or

ellipses.
You can create a completely new coordinate system based on your own data
or use a predefined coordinate system as a basis for creating your own. You
can also modify or delete any coordinate systems that you define. You cannot
delete any of the predefined global coordinate systems supplied with
Autodesk Map.
Note Autodesk Map 2004 installs updated versions of the files that store the
coordinate system definitions. The updated files include a number of new coordinate systems and are installed in a shared location, typically c:\Program
Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\GIS\Coordsys\11a. During installation,
Autodesk Map 2004 uses the Coordinate System Update Utility, CSUPDATE.EXE,
to automatically update the newly installed files, incorporating any custom coordinate systems you defined in a previous release of Autodesk Map. Do not copy
the coordinate system files from previous releases of Autodesk Map directly into
the Autodesk shared coordinate system folder. For details on using the CSUPDATE utility manually, refer to the csupdate.hlp file, located in the Help folder of
the Autodesk Map 2004 install directory.
When defining a custom coordinate system, you may want to enter a False
Origin, with Northing and Easting values. For example, if you use the Transverse Mercator projection and the central meridian bisects the mapping
region, half of the X coordinates are negative values. Coordinate system definitions usually include a false origin that is added to all coordinates to make
them positive. The X coordinate of this offset is called the False Origin Easting. The Y coordinate of this offset is called the False Origin Northing.
Note You must annotate all maps with the coordinate system and related
parameters, including the datum and ellipsoid, of a digitized map. This information is required for accurate calculations with global coordinate systems.
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Chapter 5
Setting Additional Projection Parameters

Depending on the projection you use to define a custom coordinate system,
you must provide some additional information. For example, you might use
the Transverse Mercator projection that is based on a cylinder that touches
the Earth at a single circle of longitude. For minimum distortion, you should
use the longitude at the center of the region you are mapping. You enter this
longitude value in the Longitude Of The Central Meridian (degrees) edit box.
By specifying the longitude of the central meridian you are establishing a
zero point for the X coordinate. You must also specify a zero point for the Y
coordinate. This selection is arbitrary but is usually outside of and to the
south of the region you are mapping so that you can work with positive numbers. You enter this latitude value in the Latitude Of The Origin Of Projection
(degrees) edit box.
To produce the smallest possible distance between the projection surface and
any point in the region you are mapping, you must specify a scale reduction
factor. This is particularly important when you are mapping large regions.
For the Transverse Mercator projection, you enter this value in the Scale
Reduction Factor At The Central Meridian edit box.
Defining, Modifying, and Deleting Datum Definitions

Online Help Index
datum, defining
datum, modifying
datum, deleting
You can define new datum definitions based on your own data or use a predefined datum definition as a basis for creating your own. You can also modify or delete any datum definitions that you define. You cannot delete predefined datum definitions supplied with Autodesk Map.
If you modify or delete a datum that you have defined, you must also modify
or delete any coordinate systems that reference that datum.
When defining a custom datum, you choose the conversion technique you
want to use, either Molodensky, Bursa/Wolfe, or Seven Parameter Transformation. After choosing the conversion technique, you must specify the
appropriate conversion parameters for the technique you chose.
Defining, Modifying, and Deleting Ellipsoids

Online Help Index
ellipsoid, defining
ellipsoid, modifying
ellipsoid, deleting
You can define new ellipsoid definitions based on your own data or use a predefined ellipsoid definition as a basis for creating your own. You can also
modify or delete any ellipsoid definitions that you define. You cannot delete
predefined ellipsoid definitions supplied with Autodesk Map.
If you modify or delete an ellipsoid that you have defined, you must also
modify or delete any coordinate systems that reference that ellipsoid.
81
When defining a custom ellipsoid, you must specify the calculation method
and values used to determine the dimensions of the ellipsoid. After choosing
the calculation method, you supply two of the required values, and Autodesk
Map determines the remaining two values for you.
Tracking Coordinates
As you move the cursor around in a drawing window, you can display the
cursor location in the coordinate system you specify. For example, if your
source drawings use one coordinate system and your project drawing uses
another, you can track the source drawings coordinates as you move the cursor around in the project drawing.
You can digitize new points in existing maps with precision by using the
Track Coordinates feature to specify the exact coordinates of the points.
Measuring Geodetic Distance

You can measure the geodetic distance between points in your maps and
specify the units in which to display the distance. Geodetic distance is different from simple straight line distance in that it takes into account the curvature of the Earth. So, the geodetic distance between any two points is longer
than the straight line distance between the same two points. For example, if
you want to calculate the driving distance between points, you would use the
geodetic distance, because cars drive on the curved surface of the earth.
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Chapter 5
Using Images
With Autodesk Map, you can add raster images to your
In this chapter
vector-based drawings and then view and plot the
Understanding raster images
resulting file. You combine raster images with vector
Inserting raster images

Hiding, unloading, detaching,
drawings for a number of reasons: to add scanned documents, faxes, or microfilm drawings; to use aerial and
and erasing images

Changing the image display
order
satellite photographs; to use digital photographs; to cre-
Viewing image information
ate effects such as watermarks and logos; and to add
Changing image file paths
computer-rendered images created by visualization pro-
Selecting images
grams.
Modifying image properties

Clipping images
83

Raster images, such as photographs, consist of grids of individually colored
dots called pixels.
Some image-editing applications, such as AutodeskRaster Design, let you
specify information about image location and store this correlation information in the raster image file, or in an associated correlation source file, or in
defaults that you set. This correlation information, also known as georeferencing information, takes the guesswork out of inserting your images.
If you insert a raster image using the Raster Extension Image Insert command, Autodesk Map reads the coordinate correlation information and
places the image accurately in the precise coordinate location in the drawing.
This correlation information, also known as georeferencing information, takes
the guesswork out of inserting your images.
Like other Autodesk Map drawing objects, raster images can be copied,
moved, or clipped. You can modify an image with grip modes, adjust an
image for contrast, clip the image with a rectangle or polygon, or use an
image as a cutting edge for a trim.
Raster images add significantly to the display and impact of vector drawings.
The following illustration shows a map of an urban area.
84
Chapter 6
Using Images
With a satellite image inserted in the same map you get a realistic view of
conditions on the ground.
Supported Image Formats

Autodesk Map supports the most common image file formats used in major
technical imaging application areas: computer graphics, document management, and mapping and geographic information systems (GIS). Images can
be bitonal, 8-bit gray (grayscale), 8-bit color (indexed color), or 24-bit color
(true color).
Several image file formats support images with transparent pixels. When
image transparency is set to on, Autodesk Map recognizes those transparent
pixels and allows graphics on the Autodesk Map screen to show through
those pixels. (In bitonal images, background pixels can be treated as transparent.) Transparent images can be grayscale or color.
In addition, you can select the transparent color for grayscale or color
images.
Using the Raster Extension Features

Raster Extension features, such as selecting the transparent color or displaying the Raster Extension shortcut menu, are available only when the Raster
Extension is currently loaded.
When you start Autodesk Map, it does not load the Raster Extension until
you use a Raster Extension command.
85
Inserting Raster Images

Online Help Index
raster images, inserting
When you insert an image in a drawing, Autodesk Map links the image to the
drawing file through a path name or a data-management document ID.
When you update a linked image, the updates appear in the drawing. You can
modify the path to a linked image or remove the link at any time. Because
the image itself is not included in the drawingonly the link to the image is
includedthe image does not increase the drawing size.
Once youve inserted an image, you can reinsert it multiple times treating it
as if it were a block. Each insertion has its own clip boundary and its own settings for brightness, contrast, fade, and transparency. A single image can be
cut into multiple pieces that can be rearranged in your drawing.
Online Help Index

raster images, memory use
Note If you are inserting large images or multiple images at once, you can set
Raster Extension memory options.
Correlating Images During Insertion

You can specify the following correlation settings when inserting an image:
Correlation source
Insertion Point georeferencing correlation information
Rotation
Scale
Density
Units for insertion point and density
Color
If you modify the correlation settings, Autodesk Map saves the changes with
the Autodesk Map drawing. The changes are not saved back to the original
image file or to the correlation source file.
Note To modify the settings stored in the image file, you must use an imageediting application such as Autodesk Raster Design. If you do modify the original
settings in the image, those changes will not be reflected in the Autodesk Map
drawing unless you reinsert the image.
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Chapter 6
Using Images
Hiding, Unloading, Detaching, and Erasing

Images
When you insert an image in your drawing, Autodesk Map stores information about the image in the drawing, loads the image into memory, displays
it onscreen, and locks the image file on the disk.
Online Help Index

raster images, options
You can increase redrawing speed by hiding or unloading images that you do
not need in the current drawing session. Hidden images are not displayed or
plotted; only the drawing boundary is displayed. You can choose to hide an
image regardless of the current viewport coordinate system. If you no longer
need the image in the drawing, you can erase a single instance of the image
or erase all instances of the image and unload the image information.
Aside from locking the image file, none of these actions modify the original
image file itself.
Hiding Images
When you hide an image, the image does not display onscreen, nor does it
plot. Only the image boundary displays onscreen. However, the image is still
loaded in memory, and the image file is still locked on the disk. It cannot be
deleted or modified. Hiding images is a convenient way to speed regeneration time. You can easily redisplay the image when you are ready to plot.
Unloading Images
When you unload an image, you remove the image from memory. It does not
display onscreen, nor does it plot, and it is no longer locked on the disk. Only
the image boundary displays onscreen. Information about the image, such as
its path and scale, remains in the drawing. Before you can plot the image, you
must reload it into memory. Unloading images improves performance.
Detaching Images
When you detach an image, all instances of the image are removed from the
drawing, the image information is deleted, and the image file is unlocked.
Detach images that you no longer need in the drawing.
Hiding, Unloading, Detaching, and Erasing Images
87
Erasing Images
When you erase an image, that instance of the image is erased from the drawing. Erasing an image does not delete the image information. You can set an
option so that when the last instance of an image is erased from the drawing,
Autodesk Map automatically detaches the image and deletes the image information from the drawing.
Changing the Image Display Order

Online Help Index
raster images, display order
When you insert raster images, the images display in the order in which you
insert them. You can manually change the display order of your images if you
want one image to be displayed on top of another image.
You can change the display order in two ways:
Change the order of only the raster images.

Change the order of raster images and vector objects.
Viewing Image Information

Online Help Index
raster images, viewing
information
88
You can view information about any image in your drawing in the following
ways:
Use the Image Management dialog box to view information about the
number of instances of an image in the drawing, the draw order of images,
and other image information.
Use the Image Manager dialog box to view information about whether an
image is currently loaded, to list images attached to xrefs, and to modify
the path to an image.
Use the Image Information dialog box to view information about the file,
the image itself, and its properties and correlation information.
Use the Properties palette to view and modify image properties.
Chapter 6
Using Images
Changing Image File Paths

Online Help Index
raster images, changing
path
raster images, using Project
Files Search Path
When you insert an image, Autodesk Map stores the file path of the image in
the drawing file. When you open a drawing, Autodesk Map searches this
stored location for the file. If Autodesk Map cannot find the image because
it has been moved or deleted, Autodesk Map searches the Project Files Search
Path.
You can change the image location that is stored in the drawing, or you can
specify a Project Files Search Path.
Naming Images
Online Help Index
raster images, renaming
Image names are not necessarily the same as image file names. When you
attach an image to a drawing, Autodesk Map uses the file name without the
file extension as the image name. You can change the image name without
affecting the name of the file.
Selecting Images
Online Help Index
You can select an image in the following ways:
raster images, selecting
Click the frame that surrounds an image.

Use Shift+left-click anywhere in the image.
Note If this option is not working, check that you have the setting turned on
in the Raster Extension Options dialog box and that you have loaded Raster
Extension by using any Map Image command.
If you have inserted multiple images, selecting in an area where the images
overlap produces the Image Select dialog box.
Changing Image File Paths
89
Modifying Image Properties

Online Help Index
raster images, modifying
You can use the Properties palette to modify image properties such as the following:
Frame color, layer, linetype, and linetype scale

Image brightness, contrast, and fade
Location
Rotation, width, height, and scale
Image transparency and transparency color
Each of these modifications is described in the following sections.
Changing Image Frame Properties

Online Help Index
raster images, displaying
frames
When you attach an image to a drawing, the image frame inherits the current
color, layer, linetype, and linetype scale.
Adjusting Image Brightness, Contrast, and Fade

Online Help Index
raster images, brightness
When you adjust image brightness, contrast, and fade in Autodesk Map, the
changes you make affect the display of the image as well as the plotted output, but do not affect the original raster image file. Adjust brightness to
darken or lighten an image. Adjust contrast to make poor-quality images easier to read. Adjust fade to make vectors easier to see over images or to create
a watermark effect in your plotted output.
Changing Image Location

Online Help Index
You can specify a precise location for an image.
raster images, correlating

raster images, manually
adjusting
Note You can change the location of the image manually by using the Grips
mode.
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Chapter 6
Using Images
Changing Image Rotation, Width, Height, or

Scale
Online Help Index
raster images, changing
correlation
As with any Autodesk Map drawing object, you can change the image properties of rotation, width, height, and scale.
Modifying Image Transparency and Transparency

Color
Online Help Index
raster images, making
transparent
You can make all pixels that are a specific color in a grayscale or color image
transparent. (The transparency color of a bitonal image is always the background color of the image.) This is useful if you want to overlay two images
or place an image in front of objects.
Note The transparency color is stored in the drawing as an Autodesk Map custom object. If you send the drawing to other users, they can see the transparency
color only by opening the drawing in Autodesk Map or Autodesk Raster Design.
If they open the drawing in AutoCAD, they see a message that AutoCAD cannot
reference the custom object and will not display the transparent color.
Modifying Bitonal Image Color and Transparency

Online Help Index
raster images, modifying
properties
Bitonal raster images consist only of a foreground color and a background

color. When you attach a bitonal image, the foreground pixels in the image
inherit the current Autodesk Map color. You can change the foreground color
and turn the transparency of the background on or off.
Note The foreground of bitonal images and bitonal image frames is always the
same color.
Modifying Image Properties
91
Clipping Images
Online Help Index
raster images, clipping
By clipping an image, you can display and plot only a portion of the image.
The clipping boundary can be a rectangle or a two-dimensional polygon with
vertices constrained to lie within the boundaries of the image. Multiple
instances of the same image can have different clipping boundaries.
Note To clip an image, the image boundary must be visible.
Rectangular clipping boundary drawn
Image after applying

clipping boundary
A clip boundary is a display-only feature that you can use for viewing and
plotting purposes. It does not permanently change image data. When you
delete a clipping boundary, the original image boundary is restored.
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Chapter 6
Using Images
Part 2
Creating and Adding Data
Chapter 7
Digitizing Maps
Chapter 8
Using Coordinate Geometry
Chapter 9
Importing and Exporting Maps
Chapter 10
Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing
Chapter 13
Saving Attribute Data in External Databases
93
94
Digitizing Maps
You can create a digital map by digitizing an existing
In this chapter
paper map. Autodesk Map gives you tools to create a
Bringing data into Autodesk
Map
digital DWG file, simplify and speed the digitizing process, and add object data and links to external databases
Planning
After digitizing
while you digitize.
95
Bringing Data into Autodesk Map

Data captureputting the information into the systemis the most timeconsuming and possibly most important part of mapping and GIS work. You
need to specify map objects, define spatial relationships, and edit or remove
extraneous data from the data file.
You can bring information into Autodesk Map and create a new map in several ways. You can
Digitize, or manually trace, data from raster images or paper-based data

into Autodesk Map. Digitizing is explained in this chapter.
Import data from another mapping or GIS program in one of the external
file formats translations supported by Autodesk Map. See Chapter 9,
Importing and Exporting Maps.
Purchase map data from a variety of public and private sources. In this
case, the data may be ready for immediate use or require preparation and
editing.
Digital Data
Autodesk Map stores data in a drawing (DWG) file. Vector data is stored as
X,Y,Z coordinates that form points, lines, areas, and volumes. Vector data is
used to store three types of discrete, well-defined data: geographic data about
shapes and positions of map features, such as points, lines, and arcs; attribute
data, which provides textual information about features and is stored in a
drawing or a linked external database; and display data, which controls the
way features appear.
Digitizing Overview
Digitizing is the process of converting paper-based graphical information into
a digital format. The most common way to input existing maps into
Autodesk Map is to use a digitizer. The digitizer is configured so that a movement on the digitizing tablet can be recorded directly into an existing drawing
file as you digitize or trace the map.
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Digitizing Maps
Planning
Before you begin to digitize a paper map, creating a base or project map for
a mapping system or GIS, you need to be certain the source map is suitable,
and you need to plan how you want the base map to function. Generally
speaking, when digitizing, the simplest approach works best. You should
consider these points:
Suitability of source maps

Global coordinate system
Layer organization
Using linetypes and layers
Tiling maps
Data storage: internal or external
Representation of node, network, and polygon topologies
Map Suitability
You need to use the right source map because errors in the source map will
be reflected in your digital map. For example, maps showing land use and
land cover may not be geographically accurate, but may be accurate in terms
of the relative proportions of land use and coverage shown; or maps showing
human and cultural features often show great change in short periods while
natural features usually show little change.
When selecting a map to digitize, try to obtain a copy that is as close to the
original manuscript as possible. Some copying methods (such as blueprinting
and photocopying) can produce significant distortion. Also, some types of
media are more susceptible to shrinkage and expansion from humidity
changes than others. Mylar tends to remain dimensionally stable over time.
Your source map should be:
Known to be reliable
Accurate, absolutely or relatively, to the extent you require for your
project
Up to date
Complete
The correct type
The same scale as any other source maps you are using
If any of these conditions is not met, the suitability of the map for a project
might be compromised, and any digitized data might introduce inaccuracies
into a map set.
Planning
97
Global Coordinate System

You can digitize a map based on its latitude and longitude, but for accurate
representation of an area, you must apply a global coordinate system. The
Cartesian coordinate system must be in place and evident on the map before
you begin digitizing.
Projective digitizing is the process of digitizing from one projection directly
into another projection. Autodesk Map does not support projective digitizing
directly. Instead, you can digitize data into one projection and use the
options for global coordinate systems to translate to another coordinate
system after digitizing.
Its important to add some text to your digitized map to indicate the coordinate system of the source map. This text should also be included in the
legend for a plotted map.
For more information, see Chapter 5, Using Coordinate Systems.
Layer Organization
You need to plan the layers you will use in your project. A layer is a logical
grouping of data, which simplifies organizing and viewing data. Layers are
like transparent overlays on which you organize and group different kinds of
mapping information.
You create objects on layers, and each layer has an associated linetype and
color. Assigning different colors to layers emphasizes the contrasts between
different types of objects. Refer to Using Layers and Object Properties in
the online AutoCADUsers Guide.
Each object that represents a different type of map feature should go on a
separate layer. For example, a polyline representing a coastline could go on a
layer named COASTLINE, interstate highways on a layer named INTERSTATE,
land boundaries on a layer named LOTS, and so on. Always use industry standard or established department conventions for naming layers. Consistency
is essential. A query on a layer named TOWN finds all objects on that layer
even if some objects are utilities, some are city limits, and some contain
population details.
If you have not established a scheme for layer names, you can create one
using the numeric feature-classification code found in some digital source
data. For example, major roads might be on a layer named 170-201. A better
naming convention combines names that suggest their function and a structure that allows selection with wild cards and groups of layer names. For
example, you might decide that all topographic features should go on layers
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Chapter 7
Digitizing Maps
beginning with the letters TP. So you might put rivers on a layer named
TP_RIVERS, and contours on a layer named TP_CONTOURS. To freeze, thaw,
lock, or unlock all layers with topographic data, you would use the expression TP*. Keep in mind that layers appear in alphabetical order.
For information on wild cards and layer commands, refer to Using Layers
and Object Properties in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Using Linetypes and Layers

Wherever possible, use the linetypes supplied with Autodesk Map to indicate
different types of boundaries, road types, and waterways. Using standard
linetypes ensures consistency across maps and helps you keep track of what
you have digitized. Associate each linetype with a different layer.
For information about creating layers and assigning linetypes, refer to the
Working with Layers section of Using Layers and Object Properties in the
online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Tiling Maps
If a map is larger than the digitizing tablet, the map can be broken into
sections and assembled later into one large drawing. This process is known
as tiling. Include a 35 percent overlap between the tiled sections, which
allows you to reassemble and match the edges of the tiled maps accurately at
a later time.
Map tiles
After you finish digitizing, use the Autodesk Map cleanup tools to match
boundary edges and create one drawing with contiguous and complete data.
See Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools.
Planning
99
Data Storage: Internal or External

You can link graphic and attribute information to objects as you convert
existing data into digital form. Although you can store data in Autodesk Map
as block attributes, you can perform more sophisticated analysis of the data
if you store it in either of these two ways:
Data linked to an object and stored as object data in the drawing

Data linked to an object and stored in an external database
For information about structuring data as object data or in external databases, see Using Internal Object Data or External Tables on page 37.
Node, Network, and Polygon Topologies

A topology describes the relationships between related geometry in a drawing.
For example, a line or arc is described by its start node, end node, and direction; and a polygon is described by its start and end nodes, its centroid and
intervening vertices, and the polygons on its adjacent sides. You use topology
in Autodesk Map to find the shortest path or the fastest route (which can also
be thought of as the path of least resistance) between two points, and to
perform analysis using topology overlays.
For more information about node, network, and polygon topologies, see
Chapter 11, Creating Map Topology, and Chapter 15, Analyzing Map
Topology. Also see Tutorial 5 of the online Tutorials.
Digitizing Nodes
Node topology defines the interrelation of node objects (points). Node topologies are often used in conjunction with other models in analysis but can
also represent point locations or point sources, such as wells or pollution
sources respectively. Street lights and signs are other examples of objects represented as nodes in node topologies. To represent a node, you can
Online Help Index

digitizing
Insert a block with the BLOCK command

Add text with the DTEXT or TEXT commands
Insert a point with the POINT command
Use the Autodesk Map digitizing commands
For information about the above commands, see the online Command Reference.
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Digitizing Networks
Network topology defines a linear network, consisting of connected linear
objects, known as links. The links are joined at nodes, which can appear as
text, blocks, or point objects. You can use data in a network topology for
finding possible travel or flow routes, defining input to analysis models, and
presenting network information.
The following illustration shows two examples of network topologiesa
water pipe network and an electrical network.
Water pipe network
Electrical network in residential area
Planning
101
Digitizing Polygons
Polygon topology defines polygons, using links to define boundaries between
adjacent areas. It is used to represent areas such as county boundaries, land
parcels, and drainage basins. Polygon topology can be used for spatial
analysis and combined with other topologies.
The following illustration shows two examples of polygon topologies.
Cantons
Crops in fields
After Digitizing
Once you complete the digitizing process, you can reconfigure your digitizing tablet to work with the standard AutoCAD tablet menu. Refer to the
TABLET command in the online AutoCAD Command Reference.
Note When returning to a previously digitized drawing, you can use the
DDINSERT command to add data from other digitizing sessions.
Cleaning Up Maps
Data created by digitizing is not complete until you have cleaned up and verified the data. See Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing
Tools.
Joining Tiled Maps

If you broke your original map into tiled areas, you need to edit and join
together the different map drawing files. You may need to use the cleanup
tools described in Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing
Tools. to completely match the maps.
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Digitizing Maps
Verifying Data
If you require a high degree of accuracy, you may have to verify digitized data
against field data. You can use digital orthophotos, survey data, and overlay
maps to ensure that your data is current and accurate. If the source map is
not up to date, you need to verify that roads, buildings, and other man-made
structures match the current area. You also need to update maps when new
roads or buildings are constructed, zoning changes occur, power lines and
other utilities are modified, and parcels of land are divided or joined.
Error checking is an important part of data verification. One method is to
symbolize features or objects based on their attribute information in the
database and conduct a visual check for features that look incorrect. For
example, you could thicken all right-of-way lines in a parcel database and
thin all other lines to make sure that parcel boundaries were categorized
correctly. You can search for invalid spatial relationships, querying, for
example, all valves of a certain type, highlighting them, and visually
checking that they are connected to the correct pipe sizes.
For information on displaying objects in different ways according to their
properties, see Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze Data, and Chapter 16,
Thematic Map Design.
If information about features is stored as object data or in an external
database, you can use data or SQL queries to find data inconsistencies, for
example, verifying that all pipe sizes are greater than one diameter and
smaller than another. You can also find other inconsistencies, such as all
right-of-ways that do not have an object data record or external database link
to a land parcel.
After Digitizing
103
104
Use coordinate geometry to enter accurate geometry
In this chapter
when creating objects and find out accurate geometry
Overview of coordinate
geometry
for existing objects. You can send precise locations to

and from colleagues in the field.
Specifying points using
coordinate geometry
Measuring coordinate
geometry
105
Overview of Coordinate Geometry

The COGO (coordinate geometry) feature lets you input and extract locations in coordinate geometry. This lets you use accurate measurements in
your drawing.
Use the COGO input commands to create objects using accurate geometry.
For example, you can create parcel boundaries from legal documents or survey data.
Use the COGO inquiry commands to get accurate geometric information
about objects in your drawing. For example, you can determine the coordinates of a manhole or the centerline of a new road.
Specifying Points Using Coordinate

Geometry
Online Help Index
coordinate geometry,
entering when creating
objects
When you are creating an object and are asked to specify a point, you can
specify the point using coordinate geometry.
To specify coordinate geometry while you are using another command, you
use a transparent command. Transparent commands are commands that you
can use in the middle of other commands. For example, if you are using the
PLINE command to create a polyline, when you are asked to specify a point
for the polyline, you can instead start the Angle Distance command which
lets you specify your polyline points by selecting the angle and distance from
a known point.
You can use the following methods to specify a point:
Angle and distance

Bearing and distance
Deflection and distance
Azimuth and distance
Prompting for Elevation

If you want to include elevation in your coordinate geometry specification,
you set an option to have Autodesk Map prompt for an elevation.
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Chapter 8
Using Angle and Distance

When creating an object, such as a line or an arc, you can specify a point by
specifying an angle and a distance from another point.
Point you want to specify
2
1 Specify the starting point and
ending point of the line from

which youll measure the angle.
3
2 Specify the angle from the
starting line.
3 Specify the distance from the
starting line.
Using Bearing and Distance

You can specify a point by specifying a quadrant, angle, and distance from
another point.
1 Specify the starting point
from which youll measure the

distance.
2 Specify the bearing
(quadrant and angle) from the

starting point.
starting point.
1
Specifying Points Using Coordinate Geometry
107
Using Deflection and Distance

You can specify a point by specifying a deflection angle and distance from
another point.
1 Specify the starting and end-
ing point of the line from

which youll measure the
angle and distance.
2 Specify the deflection angle
from the starting line.

starting line.
Using Azimuth and Distance

You can specify a point by specifying azimuth and distance from another
point. Azimuth is the clockwise angle from the North (or South) meridian.

1 Specify the starting point
3
from which youll measure the

distance.
2 Specify the azimuth from the
starting point.
starting point.
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Chapter 8
Measuring Coordinate Geometry

Online Help Index
measuring coordinate
geometry
You can extract geometric information from objects such as lines, curves,
closed polylines, and polygons. This information is useful if you want to verify the accuracy of your maps, or if you want to send the data to the field.
You can do the following:
Add distancesCalculate the total of several disjunct distances by selecting points in your drawing, entering distances on the command line, or
selecting numeric text, such as measurements, in your drawing.
Display continuous distanceDisplay the distance between one point

and a number of other points, or between a series of points.
Display angle informationDisplay the acute and obtuse angle between

points or intersecting lines.
Display COGO information for lines and arcsDisplay coordinate geometry for lines and arcs. This information includes line and curve details,
area, and coordinates.
Display the slopeDisplay the slope, grade, and horizontal distance

between two points.
Measuring Coordinate Geometry
109
110
Importing and Exporting

Maps
You can create maps by importing them from other
In this chapter
sources and file formats, such as ArcView Shape File
Using data from other sources
(often referred to as an ESRI ShapeFile), ArcInfo cover-
Importing data
ages and E00, MapInfo MIF/MID, and MicroStation
Exporting data
Using profiles
DGN. You can then maintain your map in Autodesk

Map or export it to an external file format.
You can also import and export ASCII files, raster
images, and Autodesk MapGuide SDF files.
In addition, you can open and work with maps created
in previous releases of Autodesk Map, save Autodesk
Map 2004 files to previous Autodesk Map file formats
for use in previous versions, and open and save DXF
files for use in Autodesk Map and other applications. For
more information, see Sharing Files With Different
Versions of Autodesk Map on page 49.
111
Using Data from Other Sources

You can combine data from other mapping or GIS programs by first
importing it into Autodesk Map. After working with it, you can maintain it
in Autodesk Map, or you can export it to an external file format.
The Import/Export feature provides enhanced data translation ability,
enabling you to exchange data with colleagues and customers more freely
than ever before.
Information in External File Formats

Digital map files can contain three types of information.
Geographic information, also referred to as graphics information,

indicates the position and shapes of features with drawing objects. Objects
such as lines, arcs, and polygons are located with X,Y (and sometimes Z)
coordinates.
Data elements, referred to as attributes in external file formats, provide

additional textual information about features. This information is often
stored in an external database file.
Display information, which describes how a feature appears on the screen,

includes object color, line width, linetypes (continuous, dashed, dotted,
or double), and hatch patterns.
Some digital map files do not contain all these types of information.
Importing Data
Online Help Index
importing, external data
You can import data in other file formats into Autodesk Map, and the data
can be read into a new or existing file.
The Import/Export feature provides an easy and reliable way to import your
maps from other formats into Autodesk Map. You can import not only the
objects themselves, but also data and display options associated with the
objects. In addition, Autodesk Map can automatically perform a coordinate
conversion on the objects as they are imported.
You can use a command script to import a series of files using pre-specified
options for the translation. Refer to Programming Interfaces in the online
AutoCADCustomization Guide for information on creating and running
command scripts.
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Chapter 9
Importing Maps from Other Programs

While importing a file, Autodesk Map will copy objects from the input file
into the active Autodesk Map drawing.
You can specify a number of settings for the import.
You can specify which layers (sometimes called themes, levels, or files) in
the incoming file should be mapped to layers in the Autodesk Map drawing.
You can import data from the incoming file to object data tables in the
Autodesk Map drawing or to external database tables.
You can import points as points, text, or blocks.
You can perform a coordinate conversion if you've assigned a coordinate

system to the Autodesk Map drawing.
You can save your import settings and easily use them again. For more information see Using Profiles on page 117.
Specifying a Layer During Import

By default, Autodesk Map imports data to a drawing layer with the same
name as the layer (sometimes called a theme, level, or file) in the input file.
If a drawing layer with this name already exists, objects are copied to that
layer. Otherwise, a new layer is created and objects are copied to the new
layer.
You can specify one of the following layer options:
Put incoming objects on an existing layer in the drawing.

Put incoming objects on a new layer.
Put incoming objects on a layer based on data attached to the objects.
Performing a Coordinate Conversion During Import

As you import objects, you can convert them from the coordinate system of
the input file to the coordinate system of the Autodesk Map drawing.
To perform this conversion, you must first assign a coordinate system to the
active project. Then, for each layer that you import, you must specify the
appropriate coordinate system.
Importing Data
113
Specifying Data to Import

As you import objects, you can import the attribute data attached to the
objects. You can import the data into an object data table or into an external
database table. If the incoming data includes the values used to link the
object to an external database, you can maintain those links.
When you import the data, you can specify, for each incoming field, which
field it should be imported into in the object data table or the external database table.
Specifying How to Import Points

As you import objects, you can choose how to import points. You can
Import points as points, using ACAD_POINT

Import points as text, using text specified in data attached to the objects
Import points as blocks, using a specified block definition
Import points as blocks, using a block name specified in data attached to
the objects
If you import points as blocks, you can choose to import the attribute data
with the objects. If an attribute name on the block that is being created
matches a field name on the incoming point, the data for that attribute will
be imported with the point.
Importing Autodesk MapGuide SDF Files

Online Help Index
importing, SDF files
Autodesk MapGuide is an Internet-enabled GIS product for authoring, publishing, distributing, and viewing interactive maps and graphics over the
Internet and across corporate intranets. It provides a client/server framework
for accessing GIS technology through an easy-to-use Web browser interface.
Using Autodesk Map, you can import Autodesk MapGuide SDF files and edit
or print them, or add them to your project drawing sets.
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Chapter 9
Importing Raster Files

You can also import raster files into Autodesk Map. See Chapter 6, Using
Images. Also, see Working with Raster Images and Using Other File Formats in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Managing Imported Data

When you import data, treat it like newly digitized data: imported data needs
verification and cleanup, and may need edge matching and other adjustments to match existing maps. See Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup
and Editing Tools.
Exporting Data
You can export your Autodesk Map drawings to other formats. You can
export not only the objects themselves, but also data associated with the
objects. In addition, Autodesk Map can automatically perform a coordinate
conversion on the objects as they are exported.
You can use a command script to export a series of drawings using pre-specified options for the translation. Refer to Programming Interfaces in the
online AutoCAD Customization Guide for information on creating and running command scripts.
Exporting Maps to Other File Formats

Online Help Index
exporting, external data
During export, Autodesk Map will copy objects from the active Autodesk
Map drawing to the specified file or location. If you want to export objects
from a source drawing, query those objects into the current project before
you begin the export.
Using Saved Settings

You can save your export settings and use them again.
For more information on saving and loading settings see Using Profiles on
page 117.
Exporting Data
115
Selecting Objects
You can automatically select all objects, or you can manually select the
objects you want. Alternatively, you can export only objects on selected layers or assigned to selected feature classes.
The status bar tells you how many objects are currently selected and how
many are filtered out. If you are exporting a polygon topology, the topology
objects are not included in the number.
In addition, you can preview the objects that will be exported.
Note If you are exporting to a format that uses entity types, some objects may
count as more than one entity type. For example, lines that form a polygon will
count as line entities and as a polygon entity.
Coordinate Conversion
If you've assigned a coordinate system to the active Autodesk Map drawing,
you can convert objects from that coordinate system to a coordinate system
you specify.
Data
You can export data that is associated with the objects. You can export object
properties, object data, block attributes, or external database data.
When you export external data, two options are available:
If the external file format does not support external databases, select all
the fields you want to export from the database table. The data from the
fields is attached to the exported object as attribute data.
If the external file format supports external database files, select just the
Key field for export. This maintains the link to the external database. This
option is faster, because it doesnt open the associated database, and it creates a smaller external file, because only the key data is exported.
You can also have Autodesk Map automatically create a field with a unique
value for each exported object.
Polygon Topology
You can export a polygon topology. If you select this option, Autodesk Map
exports a polygon object for each polygon in the topology.
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Exporting to Autodesk MapGuide Files

Online Help Index
exporting, SDF files
You can export Autodesk Map DWG format files to Autodesk MapGuide SDF
and SIF format, with the option to create a new SDF file or append data to an
existing file. You should export only one type of datapoint, line, polygon,
or annotationto an SDF file. You can export data attached to objects in a
drawing to fields in the SDF file that are used for popup labels and text, links
to external databases, and embedded Web links that jump to other Web
pages. You can choose to use the coordinate system set in Autodesk Map or
export the file using a different global coordinate system. You can also define
your own coordinate system for the translation. All files are exported with
64-bit precision. The SIF file is a spatial index format file.
For more information about Autodesk MapGuide SDF and SIF files, refer to
Autodesk MapGuide SDF Loader Help.
After creating the SDF file, you can then use Autodesk MapGuide Author and
Autodesk MapGuide Server to produce the MLF and MWF files needed to create and deliver Web-viewable maps.
Exporting Raster Images

You can create raster output with the PSOUT and EXPORT commands. PSOUT
creates Encapsulated Postscript (.eps) files, and EXPORT can create Windows
metafile (.wmf) and bitmap (.bmp) files. You can also use the Copy and Cut
commands in the Edit menu to select objects for inclusion in a Windows
metafile. See Using Other File Formats in the online AutoCAD Users Guide
and the online AutoCAD Command Reference.
Using Profiles
Online Help Index
profiles for import/export
Once you have specified the settings you want for import or export, you can
save those settings in a profile and use them again later.
This can save time if you plan to use the same settings more than once. Profiles are also useful when you automate the import or export process with
command line scripts. Export profiles are saved as *.epf files; import profiles
are saved as *.ipf files.
Using Profiles
117
Import Profiles
When you save an import profile, it does not store the current file name.
When you load an import profile, the table settings are reset for any input
layers that match an input layer name in the saved profile. Layers that dont
match an input layer in the saved profile are not reset.
If the specified coordinate system code isnt in the dictionary, the coordinate system is set to None.
If the data field name to be used for a layer doesnt exist, the drawing layer
is set to Layer 0. If the specified drawing layer doesnt exist, it will be created.
If the data field name to use for the block name doesnt exist, or if the
specified block doesn't exist, the block is set to ACAD_POINT.
Export Profiles
When you save an export profile, it does not store the current file name or
the current selection set.
When you load an export profile, if the specified data source doesnt exist,
the Include Table Data option is set to No.
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Chapter 9
Using the Drawing Cleanup

and Editing Tools
10
Autodesk Map provides several tools for turning
In this chapter
digitized or inaccurately drawn data into complete data
Understanding drawing cleanup
suitable for mapping and topology purposes. You can

also use these tools to remove unnecessary detail from
your maps or to make adjacent maps align correctly.
Understanding editing in
Autodesk Map
Using polygons and closed
polylines
119
Understanding Drawing Cleanup

Online Help Index
drawing cleanup,
understanding
You might need to clean up data that is digitized, imported from other file
formats, or derived from inaccurately drawn maps. Sometimes maps contain
inaccuracies resulting from surveying, digitizing, or scanning errors. For
example, parcel boundaries may not align correctly or common boundaries
may be unnecessarily duplicated, highway junctions might not meet (undershoot) or might extend beyond the correct alignment (overshoot).
To improve the accuracy of your maps, you can use the Autodesk Map
drawing cleanup tools. If you want to use topology, you should clean up your
maps before you define a topology. See Chapter 11, Creating Map Topology.
This section uses the term linear object to refer to lines, polylines, arcs, and
circles in a drawing and the term node to refer to the connection point
between linear objects. The term tolerance refers to the distance used to determine if an error exists.
Node
Linear object
Common kinds of problems are shown in the following illustration.
120
Chapter 10 Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools
Undershoots
and overshoots
Unwanted
dangles
Overdigitized
Undershoot
Overshoot
State line
Double digitized
Incomplete polygons
County line
Common problems include the following:
Overdigitized mapsSee Simplifying Objects on page 129.
Undershoots, overshoots, or unwanted danglesSee Break Crossing

Objects on page 126, Erase Short Objects on page 126, Extend Undershoots on page 127, and Erase Dangling Objects on page 128.
Open and incomplete polygons or polylinesLand forms such as lakes or

islands might be left open (with gaps at edges). Often, openings are not
apparent until you try to get a value for an area or fill an area with a hatch.
Topology features do not work if you have incomplete polygons or
polylines. See Extend Undershoots on page 127 and Correcting Nodes
on page 131.
Double-digitized or duplicate lineworkFor example, parcels or enclosed

areas that share boundaries might have duplicate linework at the boundaries. See Delete Duplicates on page 124.
Short ObjectsSee Erase Short Objects on page 126.
Clustered Nodes and Pseudo NodesSee Correcting Nodes on page 131.
Zero Length ObjectsSee Zero-Length Objects on page 129.
Nonmatching edgesSee Edge Matching on page 134.
Unconverted objects.
Note It is highly recommended that you save a backup copy of your map
before using the cleanup tools.
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Selecting and Anchoring Objects
Online Help Index

drawing cleanup, selecting
objects for
When you clean up a map, you select the linear objects (lines, polylines, arcs,
and circles) that you want to include in the cleanup process. Objects of other
types, such as text or blocks, are automatically filtered out and cant be
cleaned up. You can also select the objects you want to anchor. Anchored
objects are used as reference points and are not altered during the cleanup
process; their geometry and coordinates are fixed and objects being cleaned
up are moved towards them.
Specifying How to Convert Objects

Online Help Index
drawing cleanup,
understanding
You specify how to treat the original linear objects in the drawing after the
cleanup operation is complete.
Modify Original ObjectsUses the original layer and as much of the

original data as possible. For example, linear objects are extended where
necessary.
Retain Original and Create New ObjectsKeeps the original linear

objects. Creates new linear objects on a layer you specify. For example, to
extend an undershoot, new linear objects are created on the specified
layer for the undershoot and target linear objects, and the originals are
retained.
Delete Original and Create New ObjectsDeletes all the original linear
objects and creates new linear objects on a layer you specify. For example,
the original undershoot is deleted, and a new linear object is created that
extends to the required location.
After you complete the cleanup operation, you can run the operation again
to verify that you corrected all existing errors. Cleaning up the geometry in
the drawing creates new geometry and new relationships between the
objects, and each iteration will create new relationships, so you might need
to run the cleanup operation several times.
Online Help Index

drawing cleanup,
correcting errors
122
Correcting Errors
You can correct the errors detected by Autodesk Map using either of the following methods:
AutomaticallyAutodesk Map immediately identifies and corrects all

detected errors.
Interactively Autodesk Map evaluates where cleanup will take place and
displays a list of detected errors. You review the list, examine the locations
that might require correction, and then decide whether to make the cor-
rection, place a marker on the location, or remove the error from the list
without making the correction. You can repeat this process multiple
times, each time removing markers from earlier operations.
When you correct errors interactively, you can use these approaches:
Online Help Index

drawing cleanup, markers
Mark all the errors in the map, then use manual editing methods to correct the errors.
Allow Autodesk Map to correct the error for you.
Error Markers
When correcting errors interactively, you can use error markers to make map
errors more visible, which can help you locate the errors more quickly. When
you correct errors, markers are removed automatically. If you don't correct an
error, you can remove the marker and skip the error, or leave the marker in
the map so you can find and correct it later. If you clean up a map multiple
times, you can choose to remove or maintain markers from earlier operations. You can also choose to remove or maintain markers from the current
operation.
You can specify the size, shape, and color of the error markers used to mark
each type of error. You should set up your error markers so that each error
type uses a different marker to make the errors easy to distinguish. For example, you can use red octagons to mark short objects, blue squares to mark
cluster nodes, and magenta triangles to mark pseudo nodes.
Notes
The markers used to mark errors detected by drawing cleanup are the same
as those used to mark errors detected while creating a polygon topology.
Before performing a drawing cleanup operation, Autodesk Map removes
any markers present from creating a polygon topology. Conversely, before
creating a polygon topology, Autodesk Map removes any markers present
from previous drawing cleanup operations.
Error markers arent used if you have Autodesk Map correct errors automatically or for the Simplify Objects cleanup action.
Map Cleanup Processes

The following sections describe the cleanup actions available in Autodesk
Map. It is recommended that you identify one type of error, fix those types
of errors, and then fix other errors on a one-by-one basis. You can identify
more than one type of error during a single cleanup operation if you want,
123
however, it is highly recommended that you always run Simplify Objects as

a separate cleanup process.
Cleanup Order
If you correct errors automatically, cleanup operations are performed in the
order you specify in the Drawing Cleanup Select Actions dialog box. If you
correct errors interactively, you can step through the list of errors detected by
the drawing cleanup process.
The order in which you carry out cleanup operations can change the results.
For example, see Erase Dangling Objects on page 128, where the order in
which you break crossing objects and erase dangling objects affects the
results.
Note If you perform Simplify Objects with other cleanup actions, Autodesk
Map automatically performs Simplify Objects first, regardless of the order specified. We recommend that you run Simplify Objects as a separate drawing
cleanup operation.
Delete Duplicates
You can delete duplicate objects to clean up data for topologies, plotting, or
thematic mapping. Points, text, and blocks are not included in delete duplicate calculations. An objects geometry (its coordinate location and number
of vertices) is considered when detecting duplicate objects. Objects with the
same geometry but different direction, type (for example, lines and
polylines), or properties (for example, linetype and color) may be considered
as duplicates.
Note Objects with the same geometry, but on different layers, are considered
as duplicates. If your map has coincident objects on different layers, you should
work with one layer at a time.
124
Objects within the tolerance distance of each other can be considered duplicates as shown in the following illustration. In most cases, you should keep
the tolerance value very small when deleting duplicate objects.
Duplicate objects
Tolerance
Before cleanup
After cleanup
The following illustration shows an example of two closed polylines that

share a common boundary or edge, and duplicate linear objects that share
the same start and end nodes.
Before deleting duplicates
After deleting duplicates
When you use Delete Duplicate Objects with Break Crossing Objects, the
closed polylines (A and B) are broken into two open polylines (T and V) with
no duplicate edges. A third open polyline (U) represents the edge.
When deleting duplicate edges that are polyline segments, the command
deletes lines and arcs before breaking polylines. The function removes only
objects with the same properties and geometry, even if the objects are on different layers. Direction is not considered.
Warning! Do not use the Delete Duplicate Objects option with polygon topology because this function deletes important topology data.
125
Erase Short Objects

You can reduce the number of unnecessary linear objects and nodes in a map
by removing short isolated linear objects and short linear objects that are
part of a polyline as shown in the following illustration. This deletion
increases performance and decreases file size.
Before Erase Short Objects
After Erase Short Objects
This function is similar to dissolve pseudo nodes, except erasing short objects
removes both the linear object and associated nodes. See Correcting Nodes
on page 131.
Depending on your data, you might want to snap clustered nodes afterwards
to correct errors that can result from erasing short objects. The following
illustration shows the types of errors that might be introduced and how you
can correct them by snapping clustered nodes. See Snap Clustered Nodes
on page 131.
Before Erase Short

Objects
After Erase Short

Objects
After Snap Clustered

Nodes
Note Set the tolerance distance to a value slightly smaller than the shortest
object length you want to retain.
Break Crossing Objects

This function takes a complex system of lines, arcs, circles, and polylines and
breaks them at intersections into single, unambiguous objects. You can break
objects that intersect into two pieces at the intersection.
This function is important when you are establishing a network topology or
working with topographic contours. In the illustration below, the first example shows four linear objects in a network topology that were digitized as two
linear objects; after you break crossing objects, the linear objects are four separate objects that intersect at a common point. Linear objects that do not
126
intersect, because of digitizing (or other) errors, can be corrected by setting a

suitable tolerance distance.
Note The Break Crossing Objects option corrects apparent problems across
layers and may break lines meant to indicate separate objects, such as rivers and
roads. Use Break Crossing Objects with one layer at a time to avoid this problem.
Before Break Crossing Objects
After Break Crossing Objects
Cleanup with Break Crossing Objects

and Erase Dangling Objects
Closed objects, such as contours and lakes, can be cleaned up with the Break
Crossing Objects and Erase Dangling Objects options. Use Break Crossing
Objects to create separate objects, and then use Erase Dangling Objects,
explained in Erase Dangling Objects on page 128, or the ERASE command.
Verify that the shape created after editing reflects the intended shape and
that a distorted closed area is not created.
Note Using the Break Crossing Objects option on an arc whose endpoints are
very close, may result in the duplication or extension of the arc.
Extend Undershoots
Undershoots are often caused by inaccurate digitizing or by converting
scanned data. The illustration shows two examples often found in road
maps. The undershoots fall short of the target linear objects.
Target linear object
Undershoot
Undershoots are often found in the same drawing as dangles. Dangles, or

overshoots, are caused by a linear object going beyond an intersection with
a target linear object. See the next section, Erase Dangling Objects.
127
When you use Extend Undershoots, you can select the Break Target option if
you want Autodesk Map to break the target linear object at the intersection.
This saves you the step of having to use Break Crossing Objects after using
Extend Undershoots.
Note Using the Extend Undershoots option on an arc whose endpoints are
very close, may result in the duplication or extension of the arc.
Erase Dangling Objects

The Erase Dangling Objects option searches for and deletes all line, arc, and
polyline dangling edges, and nodes. Often, inaccurate digitizing causes a
dangle, extending an object beyond its intended intersection with a target
object. Usually you should use Break Crossing Objects before using Erase
Dangling Objects.
As shown in the following illustration, if you run Erase Dangling Objects
first, the whole of B is considered a dangling object and is deleted.
A
B
Dangling linear object
After dangling object erased
As shown in the following illustration, if you use Break Crossing Objects first,
you create two lines C and D from object B. Then using Erase Dangling
Objects deletes only the short object D, leaving object C.
A
B
Break point
C
D
Dangling object
After dangling object broken
After dangling object erased
Set the tolerance distance to a value larger than the largest object you want
to delete.
128
Zero-Length Objects
Zero-length objects are linear objects (lines, polylines, arcs, and circles) that
have a start point and an end point but zero-length or only a start point.
These can be introduced inadvertently when importing data from other
applications or when digitizing map data. To find and remove zero-length
objects from a map, use the Zero Length Objects cleanup action.
Autodesk Map doesnt refer to a tolerance value when identifying zero-length
objects; only objects with a length equal to 0 are identified as errors. If you
want to remove short linear objects within a specified tolerance value, see
Erase Short Objects on page 126.
Simplifying Objects
Overdigitizing occurs when a large area is digitized with a high degree of
detail and the map is represented at a small scale. For example, a map might
show tiny irregularities in a stream, which are not visible when looking at a
city-wide map. Also, the resulting map has a large file size, is slow to work
with and plot, and for many applications, you do not need that level of
detail. You can use Simplify Objects to reduce unnecessary complexity in
contour lines, rivers, and coastlines. Simplifying objects, also known as generalizing, or weeding, reduces the number of points on a complex line.
Note We recommend that you run Simplify Objects as a separate cleanup process. If you perform Simplify Objects with other actions, Autodesk Map automatically performs Simplify Objects first, regardless of the specified order.
Before simplifying objects, you should perform a separate cleanup process to
delete duplicates, because duplicate lines can cause inconsistent results.
If you think you need both detailed and coarse data, save the original drawing with a different name; then use the drawing cleanup tools to reduce line
and polyline complexity by simplifying objects. You can then save the map
again. Alternatively, you can use the Retain Original Objects... option to keep
the original objects and put the new objects on another layer.
Warning! The Simplify Objects option reduces file size and improves performance but also reduces the resolution of the data and removes width from
polylines. Make sure you save your map before you simplify linear objects, so you
can return to the original lines if necessary.
The Simplify Objects cleanup action converts a set of connected line, arc, and
polyline segments within the same tolerance into a single polyline. You specify the tolerance width. The tolerance values vary according to the scale of
129
the map you are working with; maps with coordinate values in the millions
use larger values than maps with coordinate values in the hundreds.
Tolerance
Before
simplifying linear objects
After
simplifying linear objects
Simplifying linear objects removes as many points as possible from a polyline

while keeping it within the original tolerance corridor. You cannot simplify
branching points, dead-ends, or endpoints of polylines.
The following illustration shows a coastline simplified at different tolerance
settings.
No linear objects simplified Linear objects simplified

(tolerance 0.1)
Linear objects simplified

(tolerance 0.2)
Linear objects simplified

(tolerance 0.5)
When you simplify objects, you can select the Create Arcs option if you want
to allow Autodesk Map to introduce arcs into objects when simplifying them.
Notes
130
If you select more than one Simply Objects action, Autodesk Map performs only the first one listed.
Autodesk Map automatically simplifies objects, regardless of whether not

you select the Interactive option to review errors interactively before correcting them.
Correcting Nodes
If your map contains multiple nodes near the same point (clusters), nodes
that join only two linear objects (pseudo nodes), or nodes at the end of linear
objects that are not attached to any other linear objects (dangles), you can use
the Snap Clustered Nodes and Dissolve Pseudo Nodes cleanup actions to
correct them.
Dangling node
Node
cluster
Pseudo node
You use the Drawing Cleanup - Select Objects dialog box to choose the nodes
you want to correct.
Snap Clustered Nodes

Set the tolerance to a value slightly higher than the radius of a circle that
includes the nodes. The nodes are snapped to the node that is shared by most
vectors within the circle of tolerance, or the closest anchored node. One node
remains at the new intersection.
Most central node

Required tolerance
(radius) value
With this option, tolerance is the radial search distance for locating
geometric errors during the cleanup process.
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Dissolve Pseudo Nodes

This option removes nodes that are at the intersection of two linear objects,
but leaves the vertex in place as shown in the following illustration.
Polyline on layer CYAN
One polyline on layer CYAN
Polyline on layer RED
Note Autodesk Map does not refer to a tolerance value when dissolving
pseudo nodes.
If you want to remove short linear objects and their associated nodes completely, use the Erase Short Objects option. See Erase Short Objects on page
126. See also Snap Clustered Nodes on page 131.
The Dissolve Pseudo Nodes option joins objects when two linear objects end
at the same location. You can also use this option to remove pseudo nodes in
conjunction with simplifying linear objects, converting a set of connected
line, arc, and polyline segments within the same tolerance into a single
polyline. See Simplifying Objects on page 129.
When you dissolve a pseudo node between the end points of two 2D
polylines with different Z values, the first Z-value on the object is used. With
3D polylines, the Z-value on the first vertex is used. The objects remain a 3D
polyline. For all other properties, the values on the first object are used.
Note Using the Dissolve Pseudo Nodes option may result in the loss of certain
types of data. For example, if two lines have object data attached, the resulting
single polyline retains object data from only one of the lines. Similarly, if two lines
on different layers share an end point, the resulting polyline will reside on only
one of the layers. The same is true of objects that are members of different feature classes; the resulting object will be a member of only one of the classes.
Saving and Loading Settings Using Profiles
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profiles, drawing cleanup
132
Once you have specified the settings you want for drawing cleanup, you can
save those settings in a profile and use them again later. This can save time if
you plan to use the same settings more than once. Profiles are also useful
when you automate the drawing cleanup process with scripts or share settings with other users. Drawing cleanup profiles are saved as *.dpf files.
Drawing cleanup profiles include all the options specified in the drawing
cleanup dialog boxes, including the layer names used for object selection and
anchoring, cleanup actions and settings, cleanup methods, and error marker
settings (if any). Drawing cleanup profiles do not include the actual objects
selected and anchored on the specified layers.
You can edit drawing cleanup profiles in Autodesk Map and then save your
changes, choosing either to replace an existing profile or save it as a new profile. We do not recommend editing drawing cleanup profiles outside of
Autodesk Map.
Understanding Editing in Autodesk Map

When you use Autodesk Map with multiple drawings, you usually want to
perform one of two operations: review source drawings and create new drawings, or edit source drawings. The following descriptions will help you decide
which of these two operations you want to perform.
To create new drawings from objects in source drawings, you perform one
or more queries to copy selected objects from the source drawing files. If
you want, you can modify the objects using Autodesk Map property
alteration or standard AutoCADediting commands. You can then save
your changes in the project file or use the Save As command to create a
new file. You do not save the modified objects back to the source drawings; the source drawings remain unchanged.
To edit source drawings, you perform queries to retrieve the objects that
you want to modify or you create new objects in the project drawing. You
tell Autodesk Map which objects to save back to the source drawings by
adding those objects to the save set. Only objects in the save set are saved
back to the source drawings. For information about save sets, see Chapter
2,, Sharing and Saving Drawings.
Using Autodesk Map Editing Tools

In addition to the editing commands on the Modify menu, you can use
Autodesk Map editing tools on the Map menu to perform several editing
operations.
You use the editing tools on the Map menu to modify maps in order to
reduce unnecessary detail, correct digitizing and scanning errors, and match
maps with different scales. These tools can also prepare maps for topology
creation.
133
When you modify an object in a map, the original object can be deleted, and
a new object created in its place. Each new object inherits the properties of
the original object, including object data and links to external databases.
However, polyline vertices do not retain curve data, and the polyline cannot
subsequently be decurved. Polyline width is set to a constant width equal to
the end width of the original polyline.
The tools work in two dimensions only and ignore Z-values. When you use
the tools, Z data (indicating elevations) might be lost when processing
objects at different elevations. If data is lost, a warning message appears and
you can use the UNDO command to restore the information.
Warning! Do not use any of the methods described in this chapter to edit
existing topologies; you might make a topology invalid and not be able to recreate it. To edit topologies, use the topology editing functions described in Editing Topology on page 156.
Edge Matching
Maps that are digitized at different times or that use different coordinate
systems often appear distorted at their edges. Objects, such as roads,
pipelines, and topographic features, that cross from one map area to another,
can appear discontinuous or irregular. Distortion results from digitizing
errors caused by:
Changes in humidity that distort the size and shape of the map
Inherent digitizer tablet inaccuracies
Missing or overlapping map coverage
Edge matching is the term given to the process that attempts to create a
seamless join across two or more maps. To correct these ambiguities, you
define a Location query with the Buffer Fence option (see Finding Objects
Based on Location on page 193), and then use the Snap Clustered Nodes
option with a tolerance that causes the objects to join.
Adjacent maps showing

distortion
134
Location query using buffer fence to

retrieve roads from adjacent maps
Adjacent maps aligned

after edge matching
Use the edge-matching process on one layer at a time. For example, you
might edge match the roads on the two maps first. You need to define a location query that includes all the objects in the distorted area, and then select
those objects for editing and save back to source drawings.
One way to avoid the need to use edge matching is to digitize a complete
map in one session rather than breaking the map into smaller sections. If you
have to digitize a map in sections, allow a 35 percent overlap along the
edges of a map tile and digitize both linear and point features on each tile
that are common to both tiles of the map.
If you are using different coordinate systems for the tiled maps, establish a
base map in the current drawing and then perform location queries to
retrieve the maps using different systems.
Moving, Rotating, and Scaling Objects

Online Help Index
transforming
Transformation is the uniform adjustment of a data set based on the new locations of known control points. Transformations move, rotate, and scale data
without compromising the relative accuracy of the data. Transformations do
not change the angle and relative distance between features. For example, in
digitizing a quarter-section parcel map in which you have predefined known
coordinates in all four corners, the software makes the digitized material fit
relative to the four registration points during or after the digitizing process.
Autodesk Map uses four points to transform the objects. The objects are
moved, rotated, and scaled based on two source and two destination points.
A
1st source point
B
2nd source point
1st destination point
2nd destination point
Objects before transformation
Objects scaled, rotated,

and moved
The Transform editing tool works very differently from the Simple Transformation settings in the Drawing Settings dialog box. These settings temporarily adjust the position of objects as they are retrieved during the query
process. Autodesk Map reverses these transformations during save back.The
Transform editing tool permanently scales, moves, and rotates objects within
the project.
135
For more information, see Setting Scale, Rotation, and Offset on page 22.
Note When you use Autodesk Map global coordinate systems with your map,
the Transformation options are not available.
Defining Text Insertion Points

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text, insertion point
You add text to objects using the Alter Properties feature in the Define Query
dialog box. By default, Autodesk Map positions the text at the centroid of the
object.
The following illustration shows the centroid of various shapes.
The text position relative to the object is called the label point. You can redefine the default label point using the Define Text Location feature.
centroid and default

label point
new default label

point
text, adding to queried

objects
Related To use this insertion point, choose the .LABELPT dot variable in the
Define Text dialog box when you create the Property Alteration definition in
the Define Query dialog box.
Online Help Index
Rubber Sheeting
Online Help Index
rubber sheeting
Rubber sheeting is a nonuniform adjustment of a data set based on the movement of known control points to new locations. For example, data collected
by aerial survey may be inaccurate because of flight alignment and camera
inaccuracies. By comparing this data with accurate ground survey data, the
136
aerial data can be stretched or rubber sheeted over the accurate data using
control points and monuments common to both data sets.
Warning! Use rubber sheeting only when absolutely necessary because it can
severely compromise the accuracy of the data. Use rubber sheeting as a last
resort after exhausting other methods of object editing and coordinate adjustment.
Use rubber sheeting when attempting to get two or more different data sets
from different sources to align geographically. For example, when stretching
a new subdivision map into a preexisting parcel map. However, rubber sheeting should not be used to match maps of different scales.
In the following illustration the second map has become distorted. Data on
the second map will be rubber sheeted to match the data on the first map.
Map 1 (not distorted) with

three reference points
Map 2 (stretched) with

three base points
After rubber sheeting

to match maps
Note Because rubber sheeting is not a linear transformation, it is difficult to

reverse the effects of the transformation and return a drawing to its original status. You should save your drawing before you perform a rubber sheet operation.
Online Help Index

digitizing, tips
Autodesk Map performs rubber sheeting by moving base points that you
specify to new points that you specify. The more base points you use, the
more accurate the results. You can select objects manually, or you can select
all objects that cross the original sheet area. As a rule of thumb for complex
curved figures, the more vertices you enter, the more accurate the proportionate stretching will be. Note that AutoCAD entities that have a given
shape, such as circles, arcs, and ellipses, retain their original shape.
Rubber sheeting works only on objects in the project.
Rubber sheet the less accurate data to fit the more accurate data. Perform a
query to bring in the source drawing and apply rubber sheeting to the two
137
maps. If you have set up a system of control points, or monuments, use this
data as the reference to which you rubber sheet other maps.
Breaking Objects at Map Boundaries

Online Help Index
editing maps
Using the Boundary Break option on the Map Tools menu, you can break
any objects that cross a given line. This capability lets you save maps back to
source drawings with clean edges or plot maps without overlapping borders.
It functions like the AutoCAD BREAK command for a selected set of objects
and a polyline boundary.
The following illustration shows the behavior of objects after you cut the
boundaries of a map using the Boundary Break option. The map of the lake
is broken into three areas. The resulting maps are shown as separated plots
for clarity although the command does not move the map sections.
Before boundary
break
After boundary
break
The Boundary Break option
Breaks vectors and edge objects with start and end points that straddle a
cutting edge.
Does not break objects such as blocks, text, hatch patterns, and other
objects with a single insertion point that do not form edges; the insertion
point determines which map contains the object.
Note that the text Thonon-les-Bains remains in the central map because
the text has a MiddleCenter justification and insertion point.
The edges of the boundary do not have to form a rectilinear shape. If you are
breaking using lines of latitude and longitude, the edges are, at best, trape-
138
zoidal. You can use existing boundaries or define the boundaries once you
start the command.
Once the objects are broken, you can save the data back to the source drawings. For information on saving back, see Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving
Drawings. You can erase objects outside the required area and plot the data
inside the boundary. You can also use the WBLOCK command with the same
boundary to create a new DWK of the area you break. For information about
plotting maps, see Chapter 17, Plotting Maps.
You can also use Boundary Break to show an enlargement of a selected area.
In the following illustration, a rectangle with a dashed line was drawn,
boundaries were broken inside the rectangle and the objects from the
enclosed area were copied and then rescaled. The rectangle is offset to
emphasize the inset.
Adding an inset to a map avoids using two maps to illustrate one feature and
communicates the focus of the map better.
Trimming Objects Using a Closed Boundary

Using the Boundary Trim option on the Map Tools menu, you can specify
a closed boundary as a trimming edge for a selected set of objects. You can
use this option to trim objects inside or outside a boundary. Use Boundary
Trim to quickly clear a circular or rectilinear area in a complex map in order
to insert a legend or label.
139
You can use this command to enhance plotted maps. An example of this is
shown in the following illustration. A rectangle is drawn in an area where
text annotation is required; after trimming objects inside the area, you can
add text that will not be obscured.
Rectangle showing area to

be trimmed
Text in trimmed area
You can use a boundary to trim all objects within (inside) the boundary or
outside the boundary. The following illustration shows two lines running
through a lake. The lake is the boundary. If the lines indicate zones inside the
lake, such as areas of contamination, you use the Trim Outside Boundary
option in the Trim Objects At Boundary dialog box to retain the boundaries
inside the lake. If you want to show boundaries that cross the lake, such as
soil types or solid geology, use the Trim Inside Boundary option to show that
the boundaries end at the lake.
Boundary
Trim outside boundary
Line objects
Trim inside boundary
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Using Polygons and Closed Polylines

Closed polylines, polygon objects, and topology polygons all are represented
as areas with closed boundaries. However, they are very different.
The closed polyline is the simplest object. It does not have any inherent data
or fill.
The polygon objects store information about inner and outer boundaries,
and about other polygons nested within them or grouped with them.
A polygon topology is a combination of objects and data. It uses existing
polylines or other objects in your drawing to define areas, and stores information about the relationships between these area.
Creating Polygon Objects

Online Help Index
polygons, creating
Polygon objects can represent areas in the drawing such as property lots, city
limits, or county boundaries. Complex polygons have nested boundaries. For
example, a state map could be composed of a single polygon with an outer
boundary representing the state, inner boundaries representing lakes, and
boundaries within those boundaries representing islands in the lakes.
You can create polygon objects in several ways. You can create them directly,
using the MPOLYGON command. You can also convert polylines to polygons, or convert a polygon topology to polygons.
For existing polygons, you can add, move, or delete boundaries; fill with a
selected pattern, solid color, or gradient; or change a polygon boundary to be
inner, outer, or annotation.
Creating Closed Polylines from a Topology

Online Help Index
polylines, creating from
polygons
You can create closed polylines from a polygon topology. Use the Create
Closed Polylines function when you have created a polygon topology and
you want to
Give data to an AutoCAD user so the user can hatch polygonal areas.
Export data to an external file format that does not support topologies.
While creating closed polygons from polygon topology, you have the option
to create a group containing all the elements of complex areas, such as
islands. You can manipulate grouped data with the GROUP command as
described in Editing Drawings of the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Using Polygons and Closed Polylines
141
You can also copy the object data and external database links held in the centroids to the closed polylines.
For more information about topologies, see Understanding Topology Functions on page 144.
Filling Closed Polylines

You can fill closed polylines in your drawing with solid fills and hatch
patterns to clearly differentiate them. For example, you can use one hatch
pattern to show properties with a value between $200,000 and $300,000 and
another hatch pattern to show properties over $300,000.
Online Help Index

polylines, filling
The ADEFILLPOLYG command always creates a hatch object with the solid
fill hatch style.
Related
You can also use the BHATCH command to fill closed polylines.
Note If you move closed polylines that you filled using ADEFILLPOLYG, you
must move the hatch object as well. Autodesk Map considers the closed polyline
and the hatch object as separate objects.
Online Help Index

queries, adding hatch to
retrieved objects
Also, if you set the Create Associative Hatch Objects option on the Query tab
of the Autodesk Map Options dialog box, Autodesk Map creates associative
hatch objects when you use the ADEFILLPOLYG command, the ADEQUERY
command (using Alter Properties), or the MAPTHEMATIC command (using
a fill) to fill closed polylines.
To fill closed polylines automatically with hatch patterns or solid fills when
performing queries, use the Alter Properties feature in the Define Query
dialog box. For more information, see Altering the Properties of Queried
Objects on page 205.
142
11
Topology describes how nodes, links (lines), and poly-
In this chapter
gons connect and relate to each other. It forms the basis
Understanding topology
functions
for advanced GIS functions, such as network tracing and

spatial analysis.
Defining and creating topology

Administering and editing
topology
Autodesk Map offers a map-based topology that

allows you to create, modify, and query topology in a
map. Tools are available to detect errors in the topology,
to correct these errors, and then to re-create a topology.
143

Spatial and geographic analyses are key components of geographic information systems (GIS). With Autodesk Map, you can organize graphical and
related textual data in three types of topologies: node, network, and polygon,
and use these topologies to perform spatial analysis, including network tracing (shortest-path routing between two points, best route analysis between
two or more points, and flood tracing), polygon overlay, and polygon buffer
generation. You can also determine conditions of adjacency (what is next to
what), containment (what is enclosed by what), and proximity (how close
something is to something else). Topology describes how objects connect
and relate to one another.
Node topology: oil wells
144
Network topology: rivers
Polygon topology:
county boundaries
Node topologyA node topology defines the interrelation of nodes (point

objects). Node topologies are often used in conjunction with other topologies in analysis. Unconnected water or oil wells are examples of a node
topology.
Network topologyA network topology considers the interconnection of

links (lines) forming a linear network. Links can connect nodes. An example of network topology is a water-distribution application that traces the
flow of water from a pumping station to residences. A street network is
another example.
Chapter 11 Creating Map Topology
Polygon topologyA polygon topology defines polygons that represent

enclosed areas such as land parcels and census tracts. A single link defines
the common boundary between adjacent areas. Uses of polygon topology
include tax assessment and land planning in which parcels of land are represented by polygons. Political boundaries, such as voting districts, city,
state, or provincial boundaries, special districts, and school districts, are
other examples of the use of polygon topology.
For additional information, see Topology Applications on page 221
Advantages of Using Topology

Topology allows you to analyze map-related information more flexibly. You
can use topology to define relationships between adjacent objects and groups
of objects, and store the information as object data. The topology can then
be analyzed to determine spatial and geographic relationships between
objects.
There are several advantages of using topology. You can
Define and analyze relationships between map data

Analyze more data very quickly
Combine topologies to produce one overall topology. This topology can
later be dissolved into constituent topologies
Topology is easy to create and edit; for example, you can change a node, and
an associated polygon is modified.
Topology is also an effective way to store large amounts of data; for example,
boundaries between adjacent polygons are stored as a single boundary.
The Autodesk Map Topology Model

Topology is built from three graphic primitives: nodes, links, and polygons.
Nodes
Links
Polygons
X,Y Coordinate
Data
Single X,Y
coordinate
Series of X,Y
coordinates
Boundary of X,Y
coordinates
Dimensions
None (point)
Length
Area
Three types of topology relationships can be built from these primitives: linknode, link-polygon, and left-right.
145
Link-Node Relationships
With link-node relationships, linear features (links) are connected to other
linear features at their end points (nodes). This concept provides the linear
intelligence necessary for network tracing, routing, and more.
Every link can have two nodes: a beginning node and an ending node, and
nodes can be shared by two or more links. A link (like a polyline) can have
an unlimited number of intermediate vertices. You can assign a direction to
a link; the default direction value is 0, which represents bidirectional or twoway directions. You can also assign a resistance, which is the difficulty in traversing the link. The default resistance is the length of the link.
The connection between two links occurs at the same node. Each node has a
unique identification (ID) number.
Each node knows all of the links that connect to it. In a network topology, a
node does not exist without a link. A dangling node is a node with only one
link attached as shown in the following illustration. A dangling node is an
error when it is part of a polygon topology.
Vertex
Link
Dangling nodes
Node
Pseudo node
Node
A pseudo node is a node with exactly two links attached. These nodes may be
unnecessary but may be needed for representing change from one link to
another.
For a water utility, nodes can represent valves, and links represent the water
lines. You can use topology to model the connections between water lines.
For example, the topology can show all water lines closed off when a valve is
shut.
For emergency services, the links can represent street segments, and nodes
represent the intersection of two or more streets. You can use topology to
determine the shortest path between two locations along the set of streets.
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Link-Polygon Relationships
Connected links can form polygons. A polygon may contain links with any
direction or resistance.
A polygon can have donut holes or islands, polygons within the area that are
not included in that area. These islands can also form a polygon or set of
polygons.
The following illustration shows an example of connected links forming a
polygon, and the object data stored with a polygon.
Area
Island
Centroid
Link
Node
A polygon contains a centroid, which is not always at the center of a polygon,

and can be on a different layer. The centroid is a point physically within the
polygon, outside of any islands. The centroid is used as an identification
point for a polygon and can be represented as text (using DTEXT), a block,
or point object.
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Left-Right Relationships
If you place yourself at the beginning node and look along the link toward
the ending node, the link has a left side and a right side. If that link forms
the boundary between two polygons, the link identifies a polygon on the left
and a polygon on the right.
Left
polygon
Right
polygon
Left and right sides of the link are important for more than finding adjacent
area relationships. The US Census Bureau TIGER files, which contain geographic coordinates, street name, and address information, are encoded with
a left and a right side for each street segment and store address ranges for
each side of the street.
Topology Data in Autodesk Map

Topology information is stored as object data on each element that makes up
the topology. Topology data can be saved as part of the current map or saved
back to a source drawing. You can load topology data when a map is opened
or attached to a project.
See Chapter 12,Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing, and Storing Topology Data on page 150.
Because topology is definable for a map, identifiers used to store the topology
are unique to the map.
Topology in each drawing must be separate and unique. Autodesk Map does
not support topology data that spans several drawing files (such as tiled
maps) unless they are combined in a project. You can create a topology by
retrieving the required geometry from attached maps and creating the topology in the project. Topology can also be loaded from any active map file
attached to the active project.
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Defining and Creating Topology

The graphical data in a topology can be derived from existing maps, scanned
into a map, or digitized. Nodes and centroids can be created during the topology creation process.
Removing Erroneous Data

Online Help Index
topology, cleaning
drawings
The first step in using graphical data for topology is to clean up the data. You
should clean up data before you define a topology; if you do not, you will get
meaningless results, and in some cases you will not be able to create a topology.
When creating a polygon topology, Autodesk Map automatically checks for
errors that must be corrected before creating a polygon topology. These
include lines that cross each other but have no node at the intersection and
polygons without a centroid. If you want, you can also have Autodesk Map
check for polygons with duplicate centroids and incomplete areas, but these
are optional. You specify how you want Autodesk Map to display detected
errors; you can highlight errors, mark them with blocks, or both. If Autodesk
Map detects errors, the errors are displayed in the map but arent corrected.
You must correct the errors and then create the polygon topology.
For more information, see Creating a Polygon Topology on page 153. For
information about how to correct common errors that can occur, see Chapter
10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools.
Creating a Topology
Online Help Index
topology, creating
When you create a topology, all the nodes, links and centroids for the topology must be in the current drawing. Information for the topology can come
from multiple drawings, such as tiled drawings of a road network or district
maps of parcels. To create information for a topology from attached source
drawings, you define a query to retrieve the information. Make sure any
changes are saved in the current save set.
Note Before you create a topology, freeze all layers containing objects in paper
space. If you do not freeze these layers, paper space objects are included in the
topology creation.
149
After you create a topology, you can use the topology edit and administration
tools, described later in this chapter, and the query and analysis functions
described in Chapter 15,Analyzing Map Topology.
Saving a Topology
You can save the topology in the current drawing or save it back to the
attached source drawings. For data queried from source drawings, you can
save back the topology information to the source drawings, and save the
project drawing. Future work with the topology should be done in the
project drawing with the source drawings active and attached. This method
ensures that complete and correct object data associated with the topology is
available.
Storing Topology Data

Information about each topology you create is stored in an object data table
in the current drawing like the one shown in the following table.
Topology
Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
Information Stored
EXAMPLE
TPMDESC_EXAMPLE
TYPE
Topology type
TOLERANCE
LINK_LAYER
150
Setting of VIEWRES when

created or edited
Layer for links
LINK_COLOR
Color of links
CREATE_NODE
Nodes in topology; 0=No,

1=Yes
NODE_LAYER
Layer for nodes
NODE_TYPE
Type of nodes
NODE_BLOCK
Block used for nodes
CREATE_CNTR
Centroids in topology; 0=No,

1=Yes
CNTR_LAYER
Layer for centroids
CNTR_COLOR
Color of centroids
Topology
Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
Information Stored
CNTR_TYPE
Type of centroids
CNTR_BLOCK
Block used for centroids
This information can be included in a topology query. See Chapter 15,Analyzing Map Topology.
Depending on the type of topology, other object data tables are created and
attached to the elements of the topology; these elements, with object data
tables examples, are described in the following sections.
Creating a Node Topology

Online Help Index
topology, node
You can create a node topology with point objects, blocks, or text. A node
topology used in association with a network or polygon topology can hold
information about junctions and intersections between elements of the
topology.
Information about a node topology is held in an object data table like the one
shown in the following table.
Topology Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
SAMPLE_NODE
TPMNODE_SAMPLE_NODE
ID
Creating a Network Topology

Online Help Index
topology, network
Network topology defines the interconnection of links and, optionally,

nodes at link junctions. Networks may contain loops, and network segments
have a specified direction. Links can be lines, open polylines, or arcs. You can
use information from different layers to define a network topology.
Before you create a network topology, you should clean up your data. However, pseudo nodes and dangles are often acceptable and can provide useful
information in a network topology. For example, dangles can represent culde-sacs in a road network. Links can cross each other and not intersect; for
example, one road on a network might pass over or under another without
151
an intersection, or a road might go over a railroad on a bridge. In these cases,

do not use Break Crossing Objects to create intersecting links.
Non-intersecting links
Non-intersecting links
Intersecting links in
a network topology
When you create the network topology with nodes at each intersection, the
nodes do not significantly increase file size, and you can use the nodes for
path trace, best route, and flood trace analysis.
See also Network Tracing Analysis on page 211.
Network topology information is stored on the links and nodes as object
data. Each element of the network topology has different object data values.
Topology Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
SAMPLE_NET
TPMLINK_SAMPLE_NET
ID
START_NODE
END_NODE
DIRECTION
DIRECT_RESISTANCE
REVERSE_RESISTANCE
See also Chapter 12,Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing.

If you create nodes when you create the network topology, the object data
table for each node has the following information.
Topology Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
SAMPLE_NET
TPMNODE_SAMPLE_NET
ID
RESISTANCE
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After the topology is created, you can view the object data tables that are
automatically created. You can also view and edit some data in the Properties
palette.
Online Help Index

direction for links
resistance, for links and
nodes
network topology, editing
Network topology information about direction and resistance can be used for
analysis. By default, each link has a bidirectional direction. Both resistance
and direction are stored as object data. You can edit both direction and resistance values using the topology editing tools or the Properties palette. For
more information, see Editing Topology on page 156.
Creating a Polygon Topology

Online Help Index
topology, polygon
Polygon topology is an extension of network topology and focuses on areabased relationships. Every area forms a polygon; and each polygon in a topology consists of a set of links. A polygon in a topology has a centroid, which
is a point or block element located within the polygon, and containing information about the area enclosed by the polygon boundary.
You can use polygon topology for analysis as explained in Understanding
Spatial and Geographic Analysis on page 210.
Here are some key points about polygon topology:
Polygons almost always share links; most links belong to two polygons,
one on the left and one on the right.
Polygons can have islands; the most common example is actual islands
within lakes. Note that islands can also have islands.
Polygons have areas and perimeters, which are calculated and stored with
the centroids.
Multiple topologies can share edges. For example, a river can be part of
several topologies.
You should clean up your data before you create polygon topology; there
must be no gaps, intersections, or overlaps between any of the line work in a
polygon topology.
When creating a polygon topology, Autodesk Map automatically checks for
errors that must be corrected before creating a polygon topology. These
include lines that cross each other but have no node at the intersection and
polygons without a centroid. If you want, you can also have Autodesk Map
check for polygons with duplicate centroids and incomplete areas, but these
are optional.
You specify how you want Autodesk Map to display detected errors; you can
highlight errors, mark them with blocks, or both. If you mark errors with
blocks, you can specify the color and shape of the blocks you want to use. It
153
is recommended that you use different settings for each type of error so that
they are easy to distinguish in the map.
If Autodesk Map detects errors, the errors are displayed in the map but arent
corrected. You must correct the errors and then create the polygon topology.
Note that you remove the highlighting with the REDRAW command. You
remove the marker blocks by deleting them.
Note The error markers used to mark polygon topology errors are the same as
those used to mark drawing cleanup errors. Before creating a polygon topology,
Autodesk Map removes any markers present from previous drawing cleanup
operations. Conversely, when you run a drawing cleanup operation, Autodesk
Map removes any markers present from creating a polygon topology.
For information about how to correct common errors that can occur, see
Removing Erroneous Data on page 149 and Chapter 10, Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools.
You cannot create a polygon topology from ellipses or from closed polylines
that share an edge or intersection with other polygons. Before you create the
topology, you must explode a closed polyline. You can use information from
different layers to define a polygon topology.
Creating polygon topology is similar to creating network topology, except
that you must also select or create centroids. Information to define centroids,
links, and nodes can be derived from layers; information for centroids and
nodes can also be derived from named blocks. Any selected point, text, or
inserted object inside a polygon can be used for the centroid; if there are no
suitable objects, you can specify a centroid block and layer. Each centroid
holds data about the number of links in the polygon and the area and perimeter of that polygon only. Links and nodes hold object data for all topologies
that use them.
Information about a polygon topology is held in the centroids and links. The
object data table for each centroid has the following information.
Topology Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
SAMPLE_POLY
TPMCNTR_SAMPLE_POLY
ID
AREA
PERIMETER
LINKS_QTY
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The object data table for each link in a polygon topology has the following
information.
Topology Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
SAMPLE_POLY
TPMLINK_SAMPLE_POLY
ID
START_NODE
END_NODE
DIRECTION
DIRECT_RESISTANCE
REVERSE_RESISTANCE
LEFT_POLYGON
RIGHT_POLYGON
If you create nodes when you create the polygon topology, the object data
table for each node has the following information.
Topology Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
SAMPLE_POLY
TPMNODE_SAMPLE_POLY
ID
RESISTANCE
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Administering and Editing Topology

Using the topology administration and editing tools, you can
Load and unload a topology from memory

Delete a topology
Rename a topology and change its description
Insert a link or node into a topology
Edit and add a link, node, or polygon
Audit the geometry of a topology
Complete and recreate a topology
Highlight the objects in a topology
Identify and highlight the topologies associated with an object
Edit a partial topology
View statistics about a topology
Administering Topology
Online Help Index
topology, managing
Using the topology administration tools in Autodesk Map, you can load,
unload, change the name and description of, and delete an existing topology.
You can also audit or check the status of a topology to ensure its integrity and
get statistics on the topologies in an active project. If a topology was edited
with commands other than those specifically for editing topology, you can
also recreate it. All source drawings associated with a named topology must
be attached and active when you use these tools. Because a drawing can contain more than one topology, all the topology functions prompt you to specify a topology name.
Editing Topology
Online Help Index
topology, editing
156
The topology editing tools allow you to make changes to topology geometry
without losing the integrity of the topology. You access the topology editing
tools by right-clicking the topology you want to edit in the Project Workspace or by typing the command on the command line. If you use object
editing commands such as ERASE or STRETCH to modify a topology, important data may be lost. To repair a topology edited with these commands,
use the Update tool; to edit a topology, use the appropriate topology editing
tool.
To edit a topology, the topology data and geometry must be loaded in the
active project. Only one topology can be active, and edited, at a time, and
multi-user editing of a topology is not permitted. When you load a topology,
an automatic audit checks topology integrity. This audit is concerned not
with geometry, only with topology data. Autodesk Map keeps track of any
incomplete objects, because only complete objects can be edited. The
Complete and Audit tools make objects complete for editing.
See Topology Completeness on page 160.
If you want to add or insert objects into a topology, the current drawing must
be the drawing where the topology was created. If the topology was created
in a source drawing, you must open that drawing directly to add objects to
the topology. Make the layer containing the topology objects the current
layer. New objects will then have the same properties as objects already in the
topology.
If you are working with a network topology, you can edit the direction and
resistance of links and the resistance of nodes in the Properties palette. You
double-click an object to open the Properties palette, which displays the
properties of the selected object. You can also specify direction and resistance
on the command line.
Note If you edit a topology and then use the Undo command, the altered
geometry is restored to its former state but the altered topology remains current.
To perform further editing on the topology, unload and reload the topology. This
applies to all topology functions.
Here are some examples of editing topologies:
Node topologyMoving a survey control point and adjusting any surrounding polygons.
Network topologyExtending power or water lines into a new housing

area.
Polygon topologyDividing a parcel of land into two lots.
Polygon topologyMerging two polygons. For example, when a state

joins two taxation regions into one, a utility company has to merge its
database.
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Online Help Index
Highlighting and Identifying Topologies
topology, highlighting
objects
Using the topology highlighting and identification tools, you can
Show GeometryHighlight the objects in a topology.

Show TopologyIdentify and highlight the topologies associated with an
object.
These tools work only with topologies that have been loaded in the active
project.
The color used for highlighting is the Selected Grip Color, which you can
specify in the AutoCADOptions dialog box. You remove the highlighting
and restore objects to their original color by pressing ESC.
Highlighting the Objects in a Topology

You can use the Show Geometry feature to show the location and extent of
a topology. To use Show Geometry, right-click a topology name in the Project
Workspace and choose Show Geometry from the shortcut menu. Autodesk
Map highlights all objects in the selected topology.
Show Geometry works with a loaded topology only.
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Identifying and Highlighting the Topologies Associated with an

Object
You can use the Show Topology feature to show the location and extent of
all the topologies associated with an object. To use Show Topology, rightclick Topologies in the Project Workspace, choose Show Topology from the
shortcut menu, and then click an object in the map. Autodesk Map highlights all objects in the topologies associated with the selected object.
Autodesk Map also identifies the topologies by name on the command line.
Show Topology works with loaded topologies only.
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Topology Completeness
If parts of the topology are incomplete (not closed or only part of a polygon),
they are highlighted and excluded from editing. In addition, if a topology is
incomplete, you cannot rename it and should not delete it. Two examples of
incomplete topologies created by queries are shown in the following illustration. The outer polygons in the grid are incomplete because their outside
links are parts of polygons not included in the query.
Source drawing
Polygon that cannot be edited

Polygon that cannot be edited
Queried data
Polygons that can be edited
If you use a location query to retrieve polygons, make sure you use a Crossing
window. If you are using data that is shared with other users, make sure you
load the topology to ensure that you are using current data.
Completing a Topology
Use the Complete tool if you want Autodesk Map to look at the objects and
object data in a drawing, and attempt to complete a network or polygon
topology by retrieving further drawing objects, such as links and centroids
referenced by the topology object data tables. Complex polygons, with one
or more islands, must be fully represented, and all internal islands referenced
by a polygon must be present for Complete to work.
This option completes dangling edges in a network topology and all incomplete areas in polygon topologies; however, it might fill islands as well.
160
Auditing and Recreating a Topology

The Audit tool checks that a topology is complete and contains no errors.
Any errors found are highlighted but are not fixed. Errors in a node topology
are not highlighted.
You can use the Recreate option to reestablish a topology that was edited
with nontopology editing commands such as STRETCH and PEDIT; however,
topology data might be lost. You can only recreate a topology in the current
drawing; for topology in an attached drawing, use a query to retrieve the
geometry first. You must load a topology before using Recreate.
If you want to modify the geometry of a topology (the nodes, links, or polygons), use the topology editing commands explained in Editing Topology
on page 156.
If you need to create closed polygons for a non-Autodesk Map user, or if you
are exporting data to an external file format that does not support topologies,
use the Create Closed Polylines option of the Topology menu.
See Using Polygons and Closed Polylines on page 141.
161
162
Saving Attribute Data in the

Drawing
12
Autodesk Map can store related information with
In this chapter
every object in a drawing, such as the color, linetype,
Understanding object data
layer, etc. of the object. Autodesk Map can also store
Defining object data tables

Attaching object data to objects
user-defined attribute data with each object in a drawing. When stored in the drawing, this attribute data is
Editing object data

Using object data in queries
called object data and can include property values,

installation dates, etc.
After you add object data, you can use queries to retrieve
objects and perform property alteration based on object
data values.
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Understanding Object Data

Object data allows you to create a simple database in a drawing and store text
and numeric data in your drawings directly attached to any object. It is far
more powerful than block attributes because object data works with any
object, not just blocks.
Using object data, you can use your maps for decision making and analysis.
You can define queries to retrieve objects based on their object data values,
for example, retrieving all properties with an assessed value greater than
$100,000, or all pipes installed before 1993. You can also use object data to
create thematic maps, showing, for example, all paved roads as solid lines
and all gravel roads as dotted lines. Object data can associate an object with
documents from other applications. For example, a parcel number can be
linked to land record documents, tax assessments, scanned images, pictures,
or video clips. You can select an object and view the attached documents.
You can also write applications that move data into and out of object data.
Object data can serve as an Autodesk Map database for many applications.
You can define object data by creating and defining object data tables that
can include any information you want, such as property values, installation
date, flow direction, soil type, and so on. The data is easy to view and edit.
When you define an object data table, you specify what fields it should have
and what type of information each field will contain. You can even specify a
default value for each field. When you attach object data to an object,
Autodesk Map creates a new record in the selected table and attaches it to the
object. You can use the default values or enter new values for the object. You
can attach more than one record to an object, either from the same table or
from different tables.
Autodesk Map makes it easy to create object data for any object or set of
objects. Creating object data is a two-step process:
Define object data by creating object data tables.

Attach the object data to objects in your drawings.
After you define and attach object data, you can edit it as necessary.
164
Chapter 12 Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing
The following table shows the field definitions for an object data table called
HOUSES.
Field definitions for the HOUSES table
Field
Description
Type
Default
OWNER
Owner name
Character
FLOORS
Number of floors
Integer
VALUE
House value
Integer
100000
DATE
Date assessed
Integer
This table has four fields: OWNER, FLOORS, VALUE, and DATE. When you
attach this object data table to an object in your drawing, you can use the
default value or specify a new value to use for each field. The following illustration shows the data attached to three house objects.
Ames
1
197000
1993
Smith
2
142000
1955
Jones
2
173000
1972
The following table shows these records in the HOUSES object data table.
HOUSES object data table
Owner
Floors
Value
Date
Smith
142000
1955
Ames
197000
1993
Jones
173000
1972
Note Autodesk Map works with object data created only in Autodesk Map and
does not recognize object data from other applications, including AutoCAD.
Understanding Object Data
165
Defining Object Data Tables

Online Help Index
object data, creating tables
When you define an object data table, you specify a set of fields for the table
and assign a name, description, data type, and default value to each field.
After you define an object data table, you use a separate procedure to attach
a record from the table to an object.
You can create multiple object data tables in a single drawing. For example,
you can create one table with pipe flow information and a separate table with
inspection information.
If you plan to use multiple applications with the same drawings or objects,
create an object data table for each application. Because each application
may use different data, you can avoid conflicts by using separate tables.
Take care when naming your tables. If you use the same table name in more
than one drawing, be sure the table definition (or structure) is the same in all
the drawings. If your project has more than one source drawing, Autodesk
Map uses the object table definition for the first drawing that you activate.
When you perform an object data query, Autodesk Map warns that it is ignoring duplicate definitions. (See Finding Objects Based on Internal Data on
page 195.)
The definition you want might not be the definition that Autodesk Map
retrieves. To prevent this problem from occurring, be sure that all tables with
same name have the same definition. If necessary, you can rename or redefine an object data table.
Renaming and Deleting Object Data Tables

Online Help Index
object data, modifying
tables
You can rename or delete object data tables if you have superuser privilege,
but you cannot rename or delete an object data table if you have already queried any object from a source drawing.
If you rename a table, the new name must not duplicate an existing table
name.
Note When you delete an object data table from a project, the table is deleted
from all attached, active source drawings.
166
Modifying an Object Data Table

Online Help Index
object data, modifying
tables
You can modify an object data table by adding, modifying, and deleting
fields in the table; however, you must have superuser privilege, and you cannot modify an object data table if you have already queried any object from
a source drawing.
When you modify an object data field, Autodesk Map updates all instances
of the field attached to objects. If the object data table is large, this process
may take a long time.
Attaching Object Data to Objects

Online Help Index
object data, attaching to
objects
After you define an object data table, you can associate it with one or more
objects. When you attach object data to an object, Autodesk Map creates a
new record for the selected table and attaches the record to the object. You
can create more than one record for each object, and you can attach records
from more than one table to an object.
You can attach object data in these ways:
Attach object data manually to selected objects by specifying the data values for each object.
Automatically create and attach object data based on existing block

attributes or text in the drawing.
Attach object data as you digitize objects.
When you attach object data to queried objects, Autodesk Map prompts you
to add the object to the save set.
Editing Objects with Attached Object Data

Keep these points in mind:
When you edit an object with object data using the BREAK or TRIM command, and break the object into multiple segments, the object data
remains with only the one segment that contains the start point of the
original object.
When you copy an object that has object data attached, the object data is
also copied.
Attaching Object Data to Objects
167
If you place an object with object data inside a block, the object data
remains attached to the object that is placed into the block. You can access
the object data by selecting the Nested Data option.
After you attach object data to an object, you can edit it or detach it at any
time.
Editing Object Data

Online Help Index
object data, editing
After you attach object data to an object, you can edit the object data record,
add another record to the same object, or delete a record from an object. You
must have Edit Drawing privilege to edit object data.
By adding multiple records for the same object, you can keep track of historical information related to the object. For example, if you have a table called
PipeMaintenance, with fields called Inspector, InspectionDate, and Condition, you might have the following records attached to a single pipe object.
PipeMaintenance table
Inspector
McGovern
InspectionDate
11-08-95
Condition
Satisfactory
PipeMaintenance table
Inspector
Shen
InspectionDate
01-20-96
Condition
Replace
If you select a nested object, such as a line within a block, the Nested Data
check box is selected and the type of nested object appears in the list.
168
Using Object Data in Queries

Online Help Index
queries, data conditions
Once you have attached object data to objects, you can define query conditions that retrieve objects based on the object data. For example, if you have
attached object data to all the nodes that represent wells in your drawing,
you can define a data query condition that retrieves all wells with a depth
greater than 100 feet.
See Defining Queries on page 193.
Using Object Data with Property Alteration

Online Help Index
queries, altering properties
of retrieved objects
You can also use object data with the Property Alteration feature to modify
objects based on their attached data. For example, you could define a query
to retrieve all pipes in a selected location, then alter the line width of the pipe
in the drawing based on the pipe diameter information stored in the
attached data file.
For more information on Property Alteration and range tables, see Altering
the Properties of Queried Objects on page 205. See also Creating Advanced
Thematic Maps on page 232.
Note Using the automated thematic map design capabilities of Autodesk Map
is one method of creating thematic maps. For more information, see Creating
Using Object Data in Queries
169
170
Saving Attribute Data in

External Databases
13
Using Autodesk Map, you can link information from
In this chapter
an external database to objects in your drawing, and
Understanding databases
then retrieve objects from source drawings, using the

linked information.
After creating the links, you can use the Data View to
Attaching data sources to a
project
Viewing tables in the Data View
Using the Data View
Linking database records to
select, highlight, view, and edit records in the database
drawing objects
table. Saving the project saves the connection to the

external databases.
171
Understanding Databases
When you have additional information about objects in your drawing, you
can store this information in an external database table and link the data in
the table to objects in your drawing. Then, you can view and query the data,
display it in the drawing, or find objects based on the data linked to them.
Because of the way Autodesk Map connects to the data, you can work with
an external database table without using the database application itself. You
do not even have to have the database software installed on your computer.
Note Autodesk Map supports two methods for connecting to external databases: the Data Source Attach command on the Map menu and the dbConnect command. To use the features described in this chapter, you must connect
databases using the Data Source Attach command on the Map menu (which
is also activated by dragging and dropping a database onto the Project Workspace).
For information on using the dbConnect command and features, refer to
Accessing External Databases in the online AutoCADUsers Guide.
What Is a Data Source?

A data source is a database table or a set of tables containing logically related
information. The table below illustrates a simple data source that might be
used by the Public Works department to schedule road maintenance.
172
ID
Route
Number
Width
Traffic
Volume
Last
Maintenance
Project
I25_W
I25
42000
95-1604A
I40_D
I40
27045
90-4001
US_8517
US85
19822
96-0147
US_8569
US85
16487
92-1131
SFC_66
0066
210
Chapter 13 Saving Attribute Data in External Databases
Notes
Graded gravel
This table consists of six columns, or fields, labeled ID, Route Number, Width,
Traffic Volume, Last Maintenance Project, and Notes, and one or more individual rows, or records, that contain the information for a specific road. Each
box, or cell, contains the value for a specific field of a specific record.
With most databases, database tables can be easily modified. You can add
new fields or delete existing fields, add or delete records, and edit existing
records. You can also define relationships between multiple tables. For
example, if you have two tables that share a common field, Room ID, you can
effectively join these two tables using their common field. Using a relational
database helps you avoid having to maintain and input duplicate data across
multiple tables.
Benefits of Linking External Data to Objects

You can use Autodesk Map to associate data contained in an external database table with graphical objects in your drawing through the process of
linking. Links are pointers to specific records in a database table.
Here are some examples of linking objects to database records:
Linking oil or water wells to a database of information such as aquifer

depth, type, volume, and water quality.
Linking parcel lots in a drawing with a tax assessor database.
Linking transformers and utility poles in a drawing to a database of maintenance information.
When you link data in an external database to objects in your drawing, you
add intelligence to the map; instead of simply producing maps, you can use
your maps for decision making and analysis. For more information, see
Linking Database Records to Drawing Objects on page 182.
Understanding Databases
173
Data Sources and the Project Workspace

The Project Workspace includes nodes that list data sources attached to the
project, as well as link templates for those data sources. Using the Project
Workspace, you can open the Data View to view or edit a database table.
Attached data source

Database tables
Link template
The Project Workspace contains the following data source related nodes:
Data Sources NodeDisplays all data sources attached to the active project.
and lists the tables and queries for each data source. An unconnected data
source has a red x on its icon.
Link Templates NodeDisplays link templates defined in the active project
or attached to objects in the drawing.
For information about an item listed in the Project Workspace, right-click the
item, and then choose Properties from the shortcut menu. For example,
right-click a table and choose Properties to display the Table Properties dialog
box, which lists the column names and types for the selected table.
To open a table or database query, double-click the item. To open a linked
table or query, double-click the link template name.
If the Project Workspace does not immediately display a data source or link
template, right-click a blank space in the Project Workspace and choose
Refresh from the shortcut menu.
174
Attaching Data Sources to a Project

Online Help Index
data sources, attaching
When you attach a data source to a project, the data source is listed in the
Project Workspace in the same way an attached drawing is listed. Once a data
source is attached, the attachment is saved with the project. Whenever you
open that project again, the attached data source is displayed.
In addition to attaching the data source to the project, you also need to
connect to the data source. Connecting to a data source opens a channel of
communication between Autodesk Map and the data source. Some Database
Management Systems (DBMS) limit the number of database connections you
can open, so you might want to connect only when you want to run a query
or edit the data in the table. Some DBMS require that you obtain access
privileges before you can connect to a data source. They may prompt you for
a user name and a password. For information on obtaining a password, refer
to the documentation for your DBMS, or check with your database administrator.
For most DBMS, you can attach a data source to an Autodesk Map project by
simply dragging the database file onto the Project Workspace, and Autodesk
Map will automatically create the files it needs to communicate with the
DBMS. However, for some database types, you will need to create some of
these files yourself.
Autodesk Map can use information from many different DBMS. To read these
external data files, Autodesk Map uses drivers that translate the data to a standard format. If you make changes to the data from inside Autodesk Map,
these drivers translate the data back to the database format. The first time
you use a data source with Autodesk Map, Autodesk Map determines the
appropriate driver for the data source. It stores this information, along with
the location and data type of the data source, in a Universal Data Link (UDL)
file.
Autodesk Map supports these drivers: the Jet provider, which works with
Microsoft Access database files, the SQL Server provider, the Oracle provider,
and the ODBC driver, which works with ODBC-compliant databases. These
drivers are installed with Autodesk Map.
Because the ODBC driver works with many different database types, it
requires additional information about each specific DBMS. It gets this information from a Data Source Name (DSN) that registers information about
your DBMS. You need only one DSN for each database type.
Attaching Data Sources to a Project
175
For the following ODBC-compliant databases, Autodesk Map creates a DSN

for you when you attach the database:
dBASE
Microsoft Excel
Paradox
MicrosoftVisual FoxPro
For other ODBC-compliant databases, you need to create the DSN yourself
and enter the settings manually before you can connect. The following database types require manual configuration:
Oracle
SQL Server
By default, Autodesk Map connects to Microsoft Accessusing the Jet provider, which does not require a DSN. If you want to connect to Microsoft
Access using the ODBC driver, you must create a DSN.
For information on creating a DSN, refer to your Microsoft Windows documentation.
Universal Data Link (UDL) Files

Online Help Index
data sources, configuring
Microsoft Windows uses a UDL file as a pointer to a specific data source. The
UDL file lists the location of the data, the type of database, the version of the
database, and the appropriate database driver. For each data source that you
use with Autodesk Map, you must have a UDL file.
Autodesk Map uses these UDL files as shortcuts to open a data source. For
each data source you use, you must have a UDL file in the Autodesk Map data
source directory. Once the UDL file exists in the data source directory, you
can use the UDL file at any time to attach the data source to a project.
For most data sources, Autodesk Map creates this UDL file automatically
when you attach a database, and for Access and Excel files, gives the UDL file
the same name as the database file. For other database types, Autodesk Map
gives the UDL file the same name as the directory containing the selected
database file. For some database types, you will need to manually create the
UDL file.
When you edit or create a UDL file, you use the Microsoft Windows Data
Link Properties dialog box. For more information on using this dialog box,
refer to your Microsoft Windows documentation.
176
Connecting and Disconnecting Data Sources

Online Help Index
data sources, connecting
To free up memory or database connections, you can disconnect a data

source but keep it attached to the project. When you want to use the data
source, reconnecting is a one-step process.
You can also set an option to connect automatically to all attached data
sources each time you open a project.
Viewing Tables in the Data View

Online Help Index
Data View, opening tables
Data View, running a
database query
Once you have attached and connected a data source, you can use the Data
View to view the database tables. The Data View provides two modes for
opening tables.
View modeYou can change the way the table looks on screen by formatting
columns, sorting records, or filtering records, and you can create links
between the data and objects in your drawing. You cannot edit the contents
of the database table. When you open a table in View mode, the table has a
grey background and the words Read Only appear in the Data View title bar.
Edit modeIn addition to formatting the table onscreen, you can edit the
data in the table and add or delete records.
You can also use the Data View to create links from database records to graphical objects in your drawing, then highlight records in the database that are
linked to selected objects in your drawing.
For information on creating links, see Linking Database Records to Drawing
Objects on page 182.
In the Project Workspace, each data source lists the tables and queries defined
for that data source. You can
Open a table to view all the data in a single table

Open a query (sometimes called a view or a join) to view a part of a table
or a combination of tables
Viewing Tables in the Data View
177
Viewing Database Queries

Online Help Index
Data View, running a
database query
Some Database Management Systems (DBMS) support the use of database

queries or views. Database queries can determine which data from a table displays and how that data displays. For example, you can use a database query
to limit the displayed columns to a subset of the overall table. You can also
use database queries to define relationships between tables, effectively creating a new table that displays records from the original tables.
Autodesk Map can reference an existing database query, but it cannot create
a new one. To create a database query, refer to the documentation for your
DBMS.
Database query
178
Using the Data View

Online Help Index
Data View
The Data View displays the data source tables records in a spreadsheet-like
window. You use the scroll bar or the buttons on the navigation bar to move
through the records.
Title bar
Menu
Column
header
Current
record
Go to first record
Go to last record
Go to previous
record
Go to next record
The table grid in the Data View contains the following elements:
Column headerClick to select an individual column.

Record headerClick to select an individual record.
Grid cellsClick to select one cell of a given record.
Grid headerClick to display the table shortcut menu.
Column header
Grid header
Record header
Grid cell
You can select single and multiple records and make any record current.
Using the Data View
179
Formatting Columns
You can move and resize the Data View as you would any standard window.
In addition, you can change the width of the columns and customize column
formatting.
Online Help Index

Data View, customizing
Freezing and Hiding Columns

You may have some columns in your Data View that you want to display at
all times, such as the parcel owners name, while hiding other columns. For
example, you could hide maintenance comments when you print the table.
If you have columns that you want to remain visible at all times, no matter where you scroll in the Data View, freeze the columns. The selected columns move and become the left-most columns in the Data View. They are
frozen in that position and do not scroll off the screen.
If you dont want to display or print columns, hide the columns. The columns remain part of the database, and you can redisplay them at any
time.
Sorting Records in the Data View

Online Help Index
Data View, sorting records
You can sort the records in a table based on a single column or on multiple
columns.
You can sort in ascending order (1, 2, 3, ..., A, B, C, ...) or in descending order
(Z, Y, X, ..., 9, 8, 7, ...).
If you sort based on multiple columns, you can select ascending or descending order for each column. For example, you might select the Street Name
column to be sorted in ascending order, and the Property Value column to be
sorted in descending order. These selections would produce a table in which
the records are sorted alphabetically by street name; and within each street
grouping, properties are sorted by value, with the most expensive listed first.
180
Filtering Records in the Data View

Online Help Index
Data View, filtering
You can filter, or limit, the data displayed in the Data View. Filters let you
view only the records you want. This can improve performance in scrolling
through many records or in highlighting records. You can filter your data in
the following two ways:
Filter records based on the data in the record.

Use an SQL filter to display only records whose data matches the conditions you specify. For example, you can view only records with a specific
street name or records where the property value is over a specific amount.
A SQL filter is similar to a database query, except that when you use a SQL
filter, you can edit the resulting table.
Filter records based on the objects to which they are linked.

Use a spatial filter to display only the records that are linked to objects you
select in your drawing.
You can use SQL filters and spatial filters individually, or you can combine
them. If you define both a SQL filter and a spatial filter, the Data View displays only those records that match both filters.
Editing Tables in the Data View

Online Help Index
Data View, editing records
You can edit a table in the Data View as you would any database table. You
can add or delete records, or edit a records values. You can also search a particular column for occurrences of a specific value or find and replace data
within the current column. To edit the values in the table, you must have the
proper user permissions, and you must have opened the table in Edit mode.
Printing Reports from the Data View

Online Help Index
Data View, printing tables
You can print the active table. Before you print, you can set print options. If
you have filters in effect, only the records that match the filter are printed.
Exporting Data from the Data View

Online Help Index
Data View, exporting linked
data
You can copy the contents of the Data View to the Windows Clipboard and
paste it into an external program, such as Microsoft Excel, using the standard
Windows Copy and Paste commands.
The data is inserted into the external program in tab-delimited format.
You can also export a report of records that are linked to selected objects in
your drawing.
Using the Data View
181
Linking Database Records to Drawing

Objects
You can create a link between a record in an external database and an object
in your drawing, and once this link exists, use the information in the database to help you analyze, select, and display objects in your drawing. Note
that you cannot create links for nongraphical objects such as layers and linetypes.
For example, if you have a database containing property parcel information
and a drawing that shows parcel boundaries, you can link a specific parcel in
the drawing to the record in the database that contains ownership, zoning,
and land value information for that parcel.
182
You establish the association between the object and the database table by
creating a link, which points to one or more records stored in the table. Once
this link exists, you can use the information in the database to select objects
in the drawing or find all records in the database that are linked to selected
objects in the drawing. Using the Autodesk Map query feature, you can also
create SQL conditions that retrieve objects based on linked data in the table
and combine them with other types of conditions, such as object property or
location conditions. For more information, see Chapter 14, Using Queries
to Analyze Data.
Note AutoCAD Map Release 1 through AutoCAD Map Release 3 communicated with external databases using ASE (AutoCAD SQL Environment). Beginning with AutoCAD Map 2000, the program uses Microsoft Windows standards
for communicating with a database.
If you are using drawings from a previous release of Autodesk Map, be sure to
look up database tables, migrating in the Autodesk Map online Help Index.
When you create a link, the information about that link is stored on the
object in the drawing. If you move or copy the object, the link data is moved
or copied with it. If you delete the object, the link information is also deleted.
However, deleting the object and its link information does not affect the data
in the table.
Online Help Index

link templates, editing path
to
link templates, exporting
You can view the link data attached to an object, modify the link data value
for an object, or delete links from an object. You can also export links, which
creates a report of all the records linked to selected objects in your drawing.
Whenever you open a drawing that includes database links, Autodesk Map
automatically creates a database link index and keeps it in memory. This feature is especially useful when you edit your source drawings directly. To save
this database index in the drawing, select Options from the Tools menu, and
then click the System tab. Select the Store Links Index In Drawing File
option.
Linking Database Records to Drawing Objects
183
Understanding Links and Link Templates

When you link an object in a drawing to a record in a database, link data is
stored on the object, creating a relationship between the database table and
the object. When you update the table, the changes are immediately available to the drawing object.
Autodesk Map needs some way to track which database record is linked to
the object. It does this by comparing the link data stored on the object with
a specified column in the table. When it finds a match to the link data in the
specified column, it links the record to the object. To set up this checking system, you must do the following:
Online Help Index
link templates, creating
Create a link template that specifies which data source, table, and column
to check. The column is called the key column. Ideally, a key column has a
unique value for each record.
The link template is stored in the project drawing and appears in the
Project Workspace. You can edit link templates, delete them from a
project, and import them into or export them from a project. For information about link templates, refer to the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Specify the value to look for in the key column.
For example, suppose you have a drawing of a county and a database of tourist information that lists the hotels in the county, including the hotel ID, the
name of the hotel, the town in which the hotel is located, and the room rate.
You want to link buildings in the drawing to the appropriate records in the
table.
You create a link template that includes the name of the data source and the
table, and specifies Hotel_ID as the key column. Use Hotel_ID as the key
column because each value in the column is unique. You can then create a
link between a specific building in the drawing and the appropriate record in
the table.
The link data stored on the object has two parts: the name of the link template to use (which specifies where to look) and the actual value (which specifies what to look for). For example, the Hotel_LT link template in the example below tells Autodesk Map to look in the Hotels data source and the Location table and check the Hotel_ID column. The value part of the link
data tells Autodesk Map to look for the value WA024.
Once the link has been established, the object is linked to the whole record,
not just that key column. In the example on the next page, the hotel ID was
used to create a link between the data source record and the drawing object.
But the object is linked to all the columns in the record. So you can search
for all the hotels in Fairfax and highlight them in your drawing.
184
Autodesk Map drawing with link data

Link template
Object
Unique value in
key column
Hotel_LT
Link
Template
Hotel_LT
Link data = Link template +

Unique value in key column
WA024
Data
Source
Table
Key
Column
Hotels
Location
Hotel_ID
Hotel_ID
Name
Location
WA024
Hotel
Christopher
Fairfax
WA016
Megans Inn
Fairfax
WA045
Redwood Lodge
San Francisco
You can link more than one record in the table to an object. Also, you can
link a single record in the table to more than one object.
Linking Objects to Data

You can connect or link objects in your drawings with information in an
external database in several ways. You can
Connect objects and records manually, one object and one record at a
time. See Linking Data to Objects Manually in the following section.
Create links automatically if information in your drawing matches the

values in the data source table. See Linking Data to Objects Automatically on page 186.
Create links while digitizing. See Linking Data to Objects While Digitizing on page 186.
Convert existing object data to linked external database tables. See Converting Object Data to External Database Tables on page 188.
185
Linking Data to Objects Manually

Online Help Index
linking, records to objects
You can select a specific record in your table to link with a specific object in
your drawing.
For example, you might want to link a record with a specific key field value
with the drawing object identified by the same number. See Linking Database Records to Drawing Objects on page 182 for an illustration.
Linking Data to Objects Automatically

Online Help Index
linking, records to objects
If information in your drawing, such as text or block attribute data, matches

information in a table, you can automatically create links from each selected
object to a matching record in the table.
For example, you might have a district code stored as block attribute data or
printed in each district of a map. If you also have a table that has a column
for district codes, you can automatically link each code in the map to the corresponding record in the table.
District table
District Name
Population
Schools
Code
Northwest
15254
NW
Northeast
2469
NE
Southwest
10957
SW
Southeast
16637
SE
You can create a link between the text printed in the drawing and the matching text in the database table record.
Linking Data to Objects While Digitizing

Online Help Index
link templates, creating
You use the Attach Data option in the Digitize Setup dialog box to attach data
in an external database to objects as you digitize. You can select one link template for nodes and another for links. Before you begin this process, be sure
the link templates already exist.
When you begin digitizing, Autodesk Map will prompt you for a key value
for each object. The database validation option you select determines what
happens as you enter a value for each digitized object.
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Highlighting Objects Linked to Selected Records

Online Help Index
highlighting linked objects
After you link your database records to objects in your drawing, you can
highlight objects in the drawing that are linked to selected records in the
database table.
You can set options to have Autodesk Map automatically highlight objects
linked to the records you select, automatically zoom in on highlighted
objects, or automatically create a selection set of highlighted objects.
Highlighting Records Linked to Selected Objects

Online Help Index
highlighting linked records
After you link your database records to objects in your drawing, you can
highlight records in the database table that are linked to selected objects in
the drawing.
You can navigate through all highlighted records using the options on the
Data View Highlight menu or using the highlighted records toolbar that
appears on the right side of the Data View.
Highlight color
Highlighted records toolbar
187
Converting Object Data to External Database

Tables
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object data, converting to
external data
Object data is an efficient method of storing smaller amounts of attribute

data that you want to associate with objects in a drawing, but external databases store larger amounts of data more efficiently, and allow for more complex queries.
With Autodesk Map, you can convert object data into a linked database table
that has the same data structure as the object data table. For each object containing object data in the specified table, Autodesk Map does the following:
188
Reads the object data.

Creates a new record in the external database table.
Attaches link data to the object that links the object to the record.
Part 3
Analyzing Data
Chapter 14
Using Queries to Analyze Data
Chapter 15
189
190
Using Queries to Analyze Data
14
With Autodesk Map, you can create queries that
In this chapter
retrieve a subset of objects and related information from
Understanding queries
source drawings for use in a single project. By defining a
Defining queries
Understanding indexing
subset of objects, you can also retrieve information that
Editing queries
is linked to objects and stored in external databases. You
Executing queries
can save and revise query definitions, edit them, and
Altering the properties of
queried objects
supplement them using property alteration.
Saving queries
Troubleshooting
191
Understanding Queries
Online Help Index
queries
A query uses a set of conditions to search the active source drawings, select
the objects that match the set of conditions you specify, and place the
retrieved objects in the project drawing.
When you define a query, you set the criteria for selecting objects. Queries
retrieve objects based on the criteria. You can use four types of criteria: location, property, data, and SQL.
LocationUse the location in the source drawing. For example, use a location query to retrieve all the buildings within a circular region that you
specify.
PropertyUse object properties. For example, use a property query to

retrieve all the objects on a specific layer or of a specific color.
DataUse information stored as nongraphic object data in a drawing file.

For example, if you store pipe diameters in object data, use a data query
to retrieve all pipes of a specific diameter.
SQLUse information in linked external database tables. For example, if

you store valve information including valve type in an external database,
use a SQL query to retrieve valves of the type you specify.
You can also use combinations of these query types to create compound queries.
Note Only objects in the Model Tab (model space) are queried. Objects from
the Layout Tab (paper space) are ignored.
If you plan to use SQL information, you must first connect to the data source.
See Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in External Databases. For information on queries based on topology data, see Querying Topology Data on
page 218.
192
Chapter 14 Using Queries to Analyze Data
Defining Queries
After you define the query you can execute it immediately or save it in the
Query Library. See Executing Queries on page 202, Saving Queries on
page 206, and Using Saved Queries on page 207.
Note When querying non indexed drawings, Autodesk Map displays a status
message as it processes each drawing.
Finding Objects Based on Location

Online Help Index
queries, location conditions
Location conditions retrieve objects in a specified location in the source drawings. The location can be relative to a specific point or drawing element, or
within a specified area. For example, you can search for objects that lie
within a given radius of a specified point or within a given distance on either
side of a specified line.
The Location Condition dialog box provides a number of ways to specify the
location you want to query. The following illustration shows some of them.
The objects shown in dashed lines are retrieved by the specified location
query. Objects shown in solid lines are not retrieved by the specified location
query.
Buffer fence
Circle
Fence
Point
Polygon
Window
Defining Queries
193
Finding Objects Based on Properties

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queries, property
conditions
Property conditions retrieve objects based on Autodesk Map object properties

such as color, elevation, layer, linetype, feature class, and so on. For example,
you can search for objects on a given layer or of a specified color. You can use
more than one object property in a query, but you must define them one
condition at a time.
In the Property Condition dialog box, select the property you want to query,
an operator, such as = or <, and the value the selected property must match
to be selected by the condition. You can enter a value in the Value box, or
click Values to display a list of available values for the selected property.
Online Help Index

wild-card characters
You can use wild-card characters to enter values for the following properties:
Block Name, Color, Object Type, Group, Layer, Linetype, Text Style, and Feature Class.
Note If you query against Object Type and click Values, although you have a
raster image in an attached drawing you might not see IMAGE listed in the Select
dialog box. You must have an Image command loaded. You do not need to
attach an image. Simply exit the query dialog boxes and choose Image Manager
from the Insert menu. In the Image Manager dialog box, click OK. Then define
the query again.
When you click OK, the property query you just defined appears under Current Query in the Define Query dialog box.
Online Help Index

queries, options
If the property query you define uses text values, you can set an option to
specify case-sensitive text.
Defining Numeric Range Property Queries

To define a numeric range property condition, combine condition statements
that define the upper and lower limit of the range. For example, to define an
elevation between 21.0 and 47.0, use the following condition statements:
AND
Property: ELEVATION > 21

Property: ELEVATION < 47
For information on creating multiple conditions and combining them in one

query, see Combining Criteria to Create Compound Queries on page 197.
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Finding Objects Based on Internal Data

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queries, data conditions
Data conditions retrieve objects based on nongraphic information. To define

a data condition, you first specify the type of data to query (Feature Class,
Database Link, Object Data, or Attribute). Then you specify the information
to query, such as a specific field in an object data table. Finally, you create an
expression that specifies the condition that data must match in order to meet
the query criteria. For example, to find all pipes wider than four feet, select
the object data table and field that contains pipe diameter information. In
the expression area, specify > 4.
You can also use data conditions to retrieve objects based on block attributes
and database link data. To retrieve objects based on block attributes, you
specify a block attribute tag. To retrieve objects based on database link data,
you specify a link template and key column. You cannot retrieve objects
based on constant block attributes.
You must define and attach object data to objects in the source drawings
before you can use an object data query. For example, in a map that contains
several streets, you can store the width for each street segment as object data.
See Chapter 12, Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing.
Finding Objects Based on External SQL Data

Online Help Index
queries, SQL conditions
SQL conditions retrieve information from external databases. You can use
information stored in external Structured Query Language (SQL) databases to
specify the set of objects you want to retrieve. For example, if a database table
stores information on supplier, owner, and cost of furniture in a set of drawings, you can define a query to show all chairs purchased from a specific supplier.
For more information about connecting to external databases and editing
information in external databases, see Chapter 13, Saving Attribute Data in
External Databases.
Defining Queries
195
Using SQL Conditions in Map Queries

After you link objects in the drawing to information in external tables, you
can use the information in the tables to find the objects you want in the
drawing. To locate and retrieve objects, you create a Structured Query Language (SQL) condition in a Map query. A SQL query condition looks for specific values in an external table, then finds and displays all the objects linked
to those values.
You can search for all records that exactly match a specified value or a range
of values, or that do not match the specified value.
SQL query conditions can be combined with other SQL conditions, Location
conditions, Property conditions, and Data conditions.
Before you can run SQL queries on external databases, you must set up the
databases for your project. Start by reviewing the databases associated with
the source drawings attached to the project. Determine which databases you
will use with this project and which link templates you will use with those
databases. Then attach the selected data sources to this project.
Creating a SQL Condition

Online Help Index
queries, SQL conditions
Once you link objects to information in the database, you can retrieve
objects based on that information. Autodesk Map supports standard SQL
syntax as formally defined in the ISO/IEC 9075 standard, 1992. However, you
dont have to know SQL syntax to create a SQL condition; instead, you use
the SQL Link Condition dialog box to create the SQL conditions (criteria) for
your query. You choose the column you want to search, enter a value, and
specify how the data in the column should match that value. For example,
you might specify that the data be equal to the value, or be greater than or
less than the value.
Note Queries are used to retrieve objects from source drawings. They do not
apply to objects that are already in the project drawing. For this reason, you can
query data linked to objects in an active source drawing, not data linked to
objects in the project drawing.
196
Combining SQL Conditions with Other

Conditions
You can combine a SQL condition with any other condition.
For example, you could combine a Property condition to find all objects on
the CONTROL layer with a SQL condition to find traffic signals installed
before 1987; or you might combine a Location condition to find all homes
within three miles of a proposed new school with a SQL condition to select
those homes with children under 18.
For information on creating and combining Location, Property, and Object
Data conditions, see Defining Queries on page 193.
Typing a SQL Condition

If you are familiar with SQL syntax, you can type a condition directly.
Autodesk Map automatically supplies most of the condition. You type only
the column name, the operator, and the value.
Combining Criteria to Create Compound

Queries
You can combine location, property, object data, and SQL conditions to form
compound criteria queries, for example, to retrieve all red objects in a specified area. The combination can include more than one instance of a query
type. For example, you can specify more than one location condition in addition to the conditions for any other query type.
The result of a compound query is a list of query conditions linked by one of
the joining operators And or Or. You can also combine Not with either of
these operators to create conditions that exclude certain objects from the
query.
Defining Queries
197
The following illustrations describe how And, Or, and Not join single query
conditions into compound query conditions.
A
A And Bonly objects

in both A and B
A Or Ball objects in
either A or B
A And Not Ball objects

that are in A but excluding
any objects that are in B
A Or Not Ball objects

that are in A or all objects
that are not in B
Grouping Compound Query Conditions

Online Help Index
queries, combining
conditions
If you have more than two conditions in a compound query, you can group
conditions using parentheses to specify how Autodesk Map should evaluate
them. If you dont group conditions, Autodesk Map gives precedence to the
following operators:
And takes precedence over Or.

Not takes precedence over And and Or.
This means that when Autodesk Map evaluates a query containing both an
And operator and an Or operator, the program performs the And operation
before it performs the Or operation. For example, you might use the following query:
AND
198
Location: CROSSING CIRCLE

Property: LAYER = SEWER
OR Property: LAYER = VALVE
Autodesk Map retrieves objects in this order: objects that meet the two conditions joined by And (objects that are in or crossing the specified circle and
are also on the SEWER layer); objects that meet the condition joined by Or
(objects on the VALVE layer).
If you group the conditions in the above query, you could create the
following query:
AND
Location: CROSSING CIRCLE

(Property: LAYER = SEWER
OR Property: LAYER = VALVE)
Autodesk Map evaluates the grouped conditions first. In the previous example, it retrieves all the objects that are in or crossing the specified circle and
that are also on either the SEWER or the VALVE layer. Therefore, even though
Autodesk Map gives precedence to the And operator over the Or operator,
Autodesk Map evaluates the conditions joined by Or first, because they are
grouped.
You can create a nested group, which is a group within a group. The following
sample query illustrates a nested group.
AND
((Property: LAYER = SEWER

OR Property: LENGTH > 5)
AND Location: CROSSING CIRCLE)
NOT Property: LAYER = STREETS
To make a group, you must select at least two conditions. You cannot group
conditions that are part of other groups without first ungrouping them.
Defining Queries
199
Understanding Indexing
Autodesk Map executes most queries more quickly if you create indexes.
Instead of searching all location, property, object data, or database links to
find matching data, Autodesk Map searches only the relevant index. You can
create indexes for Location, Property, Data, and SQL queries. However, creating indexes takes time and disk space. To find out if creating an index would
be useful, create one; if it doesnt significantly improve performance, remove
it from the drawing file. Autodesk Map stores indexes in the source drawing
file. You must have write permission for the drawing file if you want to create
indexes.
Note Creating indexes requires additional memory. If memory is low, Autodesk

Map might be unable to create the index. Increase memory and recreate the
index. Refer to the online AutoCADCustomization Guide, which can be found
by opening Autodesk Map Help, choosing the Contents tab, and then choosing
AutoCAD Online Manuals > Customization Guide > Customization Basics > Optimize AutoCAD.
When you save changes back to source drawings, Autodesk Map updates the
existing indexes. However, if you use the Open command on the File menu
to open and modify a source drawing, the index is no longer valid. When you
execute a query, Autodesk Map notifies you if the index is no longer valid
and executes the query without the index. To use the index you must recreate
it.
To improve the performance of Data and SQL queries, create object data and
SQL indexes for all drawings in the data set, even if they dont contain object
data or SQL link information.
Note With queries that involve all or almost all the objects in a drawing, for
example, a Location All query, indexing does not improve performance.
As you query, edit, and save back over time, indexes can degenerate causing
a loss of performance. If you execute queries that previously ran faster but
now run more slowly than you expect, regenerate the index. You should see
an improvement in performance.
200
Checking a Drawing for Indexes

Before you create an index for a drawing you should verify that a current
index does not already exist.
If the selected drawing does not have an index or the index is out of date, the
check box beside the index type under Generate Index is selected. If you
select more than one source drawing, all the check boxes are selected.
Creating Indexes
Online Help Index
You need to create an index for the type of query you plan to execute.

drawings
You can create the following kinds of index.
LocationDivides drawings into regions. Autodesk Map queries only the

regions you specify.
PropertyOrganizes object properties. Autodesk Map queries only the

objects with the properties you specify.
SQL LinksOrganizes the drawings link templates and key fields.

Autodesk Map queries only the objects with the link templates and key
field values you specify.
EEDOrganizes Extended Entity Data (EED) attached to objects in drawings created in AutoCAD Data Extension(ADE) 1.0. You cannot create
EED in Autodesk Map 2004.
Object DataOrganizes object data. Autodesk Map queries only the

objects with the object data you specify.
After you generate an object data index, a status message appears beside each
indexed field name. The status Current means that the object data index
on that field is valid and consistent with the attached object data. The status
Out-of-Date means that the object data index on that field is not consistent
with the attached object data. An index could become out-of-date if you
modify objects without first loading Autodesk Map.
Note When you create an index, you may receive a warning message to the
effect that Autodesk Map Cant calculate object extents. This indicates that a
third-party application might have created the object and that the application is
not loaded, or the object may not support the geometric extents methodology
of Autodesk Map.
Understanding Indexing
201
Removing Indexes
Online Help Index
drawings
If you create an index, Autodesk Map updates the index each time you
change the drawing and saves it back to the source drawing. If you dont need
the index, you can remove it to reduce drawing size and to reduce the time
it takes to perform the save back operation.
Editing Queries
When you edit a query, you can modify a condition but you cannot change
its type (location, property, data, or SQL). If you want a different query condition type, you must delete the existing condition and define a new one.
You can also change the joining operator (And, Or, Not) for a condition.
Executing Queries
Online Help Index
queries, running
After you define a query you can execute it in Preview, Draw, or Report mode.
Preview mode verifies that the query will retrieve the objects you need by
simply displaying them instead of copying them into the project.
Draw mode retrieves the objects and copies them into the project so you
can edit them.
Report mode generates an ASCII file that contains the results of the query.
After you execute a query, the query definition remains as the current query
in the current mode. You can execute the query in other modes, edit the
query, or save the query in the Query Library or to a file for later use.
Once Autodesk Map copies the objects that meet the query criteria into the
project, it does not duplicate those objects if you run the query again. If an
object meets the criteria of more than one query, Autodesk Map retrieves
only one copy of that object. Therefore, you will never have multiple copies
of the same object in a project. You can query objects only in the Model Tab,
not in the Layout Tab.
Note Before you execute a query you should adjust the project extents to
match the extents of the source drawings you are querying. For information, see
Zooming the Project Extents on page 29.
202
Using Preview Mode

Preview mode provides a quick preview of the objects the query will display
in the active project. You can run a query in Preview mode and check the
objects the query produces. If there are too few or too many objects, or
objects are displayed in the wrong location, revise the query as necessary.
Queries in Preview mode show objects on layers that are locked; however,
Preview mode does not show objects on layers that are Off or Frozen.
Although you see many elements in the project drawing following a Preview
query, Autodesk Map treats each set of objects as a single object from each
drawing. If you attempt to select several objects, Autodesk Map reports one
object found for each of the source drawings queried. The display of objects
is temporary and disappears when you redraw or regenerate. You can zoom
and pan to examine the queried objects, but you cannot edit them.
Using Draw Mode

Draw mode retrieves objects from source drawings and copies them into the
project. You can save the objects in your project drawing, or you can edit the
objects and save them back to the source drawings. If you decide to edit the
queried objects and you have set object locking in System Options, Autodesk
Map locks the individual objects so other users cannot edit them.
See Sharing Drawings with Other Users on page 47.
Queries in Draw mode retrieve objects from layers that are Off, Locked, or
Frozen. Whether the objects remain on layers that are Off, Locked, or Frozen
when they are brought into the project depends on the layers in the project:
if the layers exist in the project, the objects take on the characteristics of the
existing layers; if the layers do not exist, Autodesk Map creates new layers
with the characteristics of the source drawing layers.
Autodesk Map preserves the status of objects on locked layers when it copies
them into the project. When you retrieve objects that are on locked layers
you cannot save changes back to the source drawing. If you want to save
changes back, open the source drawing and unlock the layer before
performing the query.
Executing Queries
203
Using Report Mode

Report mode saves the results of a query to a text file, which you can use in
a spreadsheet program or database. For example, you might want a list of all
pipes in a system with their lengths and diameters included. The diameters
might be stored in object data. Using Report mode, you can retrieve this
information and direct it to a text file. Queries in Report mode retrieve
objects from layers that are Off or Frozen.
You control the information that is included in the report by defining a
report template. Depending on your use of blocks, layers, object data, links
to external databases, block attributes, color, and other Autodesk Map data,
you can create various printed reports, for example:
Asset managementYou can query tax assessment or zoning status based

on any graphic or non-graphic parameters.
Mailing listsYou can automatically inform landowners in an area about

changes in zoning.
Event listsYou can list the number of burglaries in a zone or the repairs
to light standards over a set period of time.
Well locations and groundwater featuresYou can list toxicity and chemical levels.
Timber standsYou can show harvest schedule and expected yields.
The output file is in comma-delimited format (CDF). Although this format is

ideal for a database, you need to use the Table or Replace function of a word
processor or spreadsheet to create columns or cells.
Executing Queries with SQL Conditions

You execute a query with a SQL condition as you would execute any other
query type. However, because a SQL condition relies on the ability to connect
to a data source, the condition will not work if any part of the connection is
broken.
204
The query must specify a valid link template.

The data source must be attached and connected.
The data source must be in the same directory as when you connected to
it. (You must not have moved it after connecting.)
Links must exist between drawing objects and records in the specified data
source.
Altering the Properties of Queried Objects

Online Help Index
indexes, altering properties
Using the property alteration feature, you can modify many of the properties
of queried objects as they are queried into the project drawing without
affecting source drawings. Whether you are creating a presentation for others
or retrieving queried objects for your own use, you can modify object properties such as color, linetype, or polyline width, or added text, to present
information more clearly. For example, you might have a set of city maps
that show roads as black polylines of the same width. You can plot a map for
a contractor that shows the roads to be repaired in red and roads to be
inspected in blue. You can alter the width of the polylines to show road
widths. You can also add text to identify elements of your drawing.
Property alteration involves the following three general steps:
Define the query to retrieve the objects you want to alter.

Create a property alteration definition.
Execute the query in Draw mode. You cannot use property alteration in
Preview or Report mode queries.
Autodesk Map performs the query, applies the property alteration definition
to the queried objects, and displays the modified objects in the project.
If you want your project drawing to include additional objects that are unaltered or altered in a different way, remember that the order in which you run
the queries is very important. A query will not retrieve objects from source
drawings if those objects are already in the project drawing, so the second
query you run will not retrieve objects that were retrieved by the first query.
For example, if you have a set of maps that display all the roads in the county
and you want to color the roads that need to be repaved, first run a property
alteration query to retrieve the roads that need to be repaved and color them
red. Then run a second query to retrieve all objects (using a Location:ALL
condition). Because the roads that need to be repaved have already been
retrieved, the second query will retrieve everything except those roads.
You can define various types of property alterations. A simple property alteration modifies every retrieved object in the same way. For example, you
could change the color of every queried object to red. To do this, simply enter
a value in the Expression box.
Altering the Properties of Queried Objects
205
Online Help Index

range tables
An advanced property alteration lets you specify how to alter the selected
property based on specified characteristics of the object. For example, you
could define a query that retrieved all the lines that represent roads in your
map, then specify that every line with a thickness of greater than .5 be colored red while all other retrieved lines be colored black. You can also use data
attached to the object to determine the modification. For example, if the
roads have object data attached to them that specifies the pavement type,
you could specify that every line with an attached value of gravel be drawn
with a dotted line, while roads with an attached value of paved be drawn
with a solid line.
You can use one or more of the following types of information to create a
property alteration definition:
Object properties, such as color, layer, block name, and thickness.

Information attached to the object as object data, such as part number,
material, cost, manufacturer, and supplier.
Information in a linked external database table.
Link data stored on the object.
Block attributes.
Saving Queries
If you plan to use a query more than once, you can save it.
Online Help Index

queries, library
queries, saving
Query categories allow you to organize your queries within a project. You
assign a query to a category when you save it. You can change a querys category at any time, and add, delete, and rename categories.
You can save the query with the project in the Query Library or to an external
file. External queries are easy to share with other users. If you save the query
to an external file you can specify a number of additional settings.
If you save the query with the project, you can modify it from within
Autodesk Map. If you save the query to a file, it is saved as an AutoLISP
script. Using a text editor, you can modify an external query file and include
AutoLISP API commands. For more information, refer to Using the API
Editing Query Files in the online AutoLISP/ADSRX Help (AcMapAds.chm, in
the Autodesk Map 2004/Help folder).
206
Using Saved Queries

After you save internal queries with the project in the Query Library, you can
load, revise, and execute them. You execute external queries using the Run
External Query option. After you execute a query, it becomes the current
query and appears in the Define Query dialog box. You can then modify it if
necessary.
Note Do not set Auto Execute in the Save Current Query dialog box if you
want to modify a saved external query before executing it.
Troubleshooting
Online Help Index
queries, problem solving
Several issues can arise when you retrieve blocks, text, externally referenced
drawings (xrefs), groups, and hatch patterns from drawings. For information
about resolving these issues, refer to the online help.
Troubleshooting
207
208
15
Topology describes how nodes, links (lines), and poly-
In this chapter
gons connect and relate to each other and forms the
Understanding spatial and
geographic analysis
basis for advanced GIS functions, such as network trac-
Topology applications
ing and spatial analysis. You can query and analyze a

topology to derive information about spatial relationships and distribution.
209
Understanding Spatial and Geographic

Analysis
Once a topology is created, you can use it as a basis for spatial analysis and
geographic analysis. Spatial analysis is the process of extracting or creating
new information about a set of geographic features. It refers to techniques
that determine the distribution of a feature, or features, over a network or
area, and the relationships between those features. The location of, proximity to, and orientation of objects can be analyzed with spatial analysis. It is
useful for evaluating suitability and capability, for estimating and predicting,
and for interpreting. Geographic analysis identifies conditions at a geographic
location, in a spatial area, or along a linear network, and predicts the effects
of future events on these features.
Autodesk Map allows you to analyze spatial and geographic information in
these ways:
Network tracing analysisUsing a network to perform shortest-distance

analysis, best route analysis, and flood tracing.
Overlay analysisUsing two existing topologies to create a third topology

based upon the interaction of the first two.
Buffer analysisIdentifying objects inside or outside a specified distance

from an existing topology.
QueryingPerforming queries based on a stored topology.
DissolvingRemoving the boundaries between polygons in a polygon

topology or removing nodes between links in a network topology that
share a specific attribute.
For examples of spatial and geographic analysis, see Topology Applications

on page 221.
210
Chapter 15 Analyzing Map Topology
Network Tracing Analysis

You can perform these types of network tracing:
Shortest PathA path between two points.
Best RouteThe best path to travel from a starting point, to one or more
visit points, and back to the starting point.
Flood TracePaths radiating from one point.
For all types of network tracing, you can specify a direction and resistance for
any link in the network. The direction specifies the direction of movement
allowed for the link in a network topology. By default, each link has a bidirectional direction. The resistance specifies the difficulty in traversing the
link. The default resistance is the length of the link.
Network tracing works with a loaded network topology only. You can create
a new network topology from the tracing. See Topology Applications on
page 221.
Shortest Path Trace: Tracing between Two Points

Online Help Index
topology, shortest path
trace analysis
Using a network topology, you can calculate the shortest path between two
points or determine the optimal route based on values of direction and resistance. This process is known as a shortest path trace analysis.
In a street network, for example, you might find the shortest path between a
fire station and a school.
To analyze a network with a time factor, you need to assign a speed or speed
limit to each link using an object data field or a field in a linked external database. You then set the Direct Resistance parameter.
For a complete example of tracing between two points in a street network,
refer to Tutorial 5 of the online Autodesk Map Tutorials. To open the tutorials, choose Tutorials from the Help menu.
Online Help Index
Best Route Analysis: Tracing Between Multiple Points
topology, best route

analysis
You can calculate the best route from a starting point, to one or more visit
points, and back to the starting point. Autodesk Map determines the optimal
route based on values of direction and resistance.
For example, in a street network, you can find the best route to travel when
visiting several customer sites from your hotel.
211
To analyze a network with a time factor, you need to assign a speed or speed
limit to each link using an object data field or a field in a linked external database. You then set the Direct Resistance parameter.
Note The resistance values of the links in the network topology must be
greater than or equal to zero in order to perform a best route calculation. In addition, a best route cannot be calculated if all resistance values equal 0 (or use
expressions that evaluate to zero). In layman's terms, if all resistance values equal
zero, every possible route is as good as any other route, and there is no best
route to travel.
If you save the results of a best route analysis to a new topology, Autodesk
Map adds topology information, stored as object data, on each element that
makes up the best route topology. The object data table contains information
about the order of the links visited and the resistance used to calculate the
best route. The object data table added is like the one shown in the following
table.
Topology Name
Object Data Table
Object Data Field
SAMPLE
BR_SAMPLE
Path Link Visit Order

Evaluated Link Forward Resistance
Evaluated Link Reverse Resistance
Evaluated Start Node Resistance
Evaluated End Node Resistance
Evaluated Link Direction
Displaying Visit Order Using Annotation

To display the order in which to visit points, you use Autodesk Map's annotation feature to label the best route with the object data described above. For
more information, look up annotation in the online help index.
212
Deleting a Best Route Topology

When you delete a best route topology, the best route object data is removed
from the objects. The only exception is if you use the old Autodesk Map command, MAPTOPOADMIN, to delete the best route topology. For more information, look up Topology, deleting in the online help index.
Renaming a Best Route Topology
When you rename a best route topology, Autodesk Map automatically
renames the object data table containing the best route data. The only exception is if you use the old Autodesk Map command, MAPTOPOADMIN. For
more information, look up Topology, renaming in the online help index.
Note If you change the direction or resistance of an object in a best route

topology, the best route shown may no longer be the optimal route, and you
should recalculate the best route. For example, if you change the direction of a
link from bi-directional to forward or reverse, it may change the best route.
Flood Trace: Tracing Out from a Point

Online Help Index
topology, flood trace
analysis
This process is known as network flood trace analysis. To trace out from a point
in all directions, you specify the point where the network starts and the maximum distance the network can traverse. The analysis determines how many
links and nodes can be travelled before the accumulated resistance exceeds
the specified maximum resistance. For example, you might want to find all
restaurants within a 10-minute walk of a hotel.
You can use flood trace analysis to check the integrity of a network topology.
If some links are not flooded, the topology is incomplete; you can use the
map editing tools to correct the geometry, and then recreate the topology.
Analysis of Topology Overlays

A powerful form of analysis is possible when you overlay two or more topologies. There are three types of overlay analysis:
Nodes with polygons

Networks with polygons
Polygons with polygons
213
Nodes with Polygons

You can attach information associated with polygons to a set of points inside
the polygon. For example, you can overlay crime incidents with demographic data to identify correlations between income and crime.
Nodes in topology
Polygon topology
Networks with Polygons

You can identify relationships between linear and regional data, such as the
length of roads in a highway district.
Network topology
Polygon topology
214
Polygons with Polygons

You can combine and analyze data from different areas and data sets. Overlaying polygons with polygons can be used for suitability analysis, such as,
overlaying data sets for earthquake risk, flood risk, surface geology, and zoning to help determine where to locate a new landfill.
You can overlay or combine a series of polygon topologies into a single topology, as shown in the following illustration, which shows a soil and a geological survey combined into one set of polygons as part of an integrated terrain
unit (ITU). ITUs are mapping areas that are homogeneous for a group of data
values. For more information about overlay analysis, see the following section.
SOIL
Composite Object Data
1
2
3
BEDROCK
ID
1
2
3
4
Soil
Gravel
Gravel
Sand
Sand
Bedrock
Granite
Sandstone
Sandstone
Slate
Granite
Sandstone
Slate
You can later dissolve the topology into its constituent polygons using the
Dissolve feature. Dissolving a topology makes data management easier
because you can break out a single element to its original form for data sharing, selected projects, or other analysis. For more information, see Dissolving Topologies on page 219. Also see the online help and Dissolving Polygons on page 219.
215
Analyzing Topology Overlays

Online Help Index
topology, overlaying
To overlay two topologies, both must be loaded into the current drawing. To
load the topologies from the current drawing or from attached source drawings into the current drawing, right-click the topology name in the Project
Workspace and choose Administration Load Topology from the shortcut
menu.
When you overlay topologies, a new topology is created containing the
results. If you want, you can include object data or data from a linked database from the source and overlay topologies in the resulting topology. You
can also choose to highlight the resulting topology onscreen when its created. You remove the highlighting by typing REGEN or REDRAW on the
command line.
Explicit Nodes in Overlay Analysis

During polygon or network topology overlay you cannot copy the original
explicit nodes to a new topology. Explicit nodes are blocks or point objects;
implicit nodes exist where two links connect without an object connecting
them. To convert an added explicit node into an implicit node, use the
ERASE command to delete the explicit node, and then unload the topology.
Buffer Analysis
Online Help Index
topology, buffering
Using buffer analysis, or buffering, you can easily identify objects within a
specified offset of elements in node, network, and polygon topologies. A
buffer is a zone that is drawn around a topology. For example, you might
specify a buffer on either side of a river to show the extent of a flood plain.
For buffering, you create a new polygon topology from an existing node, network, or polygon topology and specify a buffer offset. If you want, you can
also highlight the new topology onscreen when its created. You remove the
highlighting by typing REGEN or REDRAW on the command line.
216
The following illustration shows how buffer analysis functions with different
topologies.
Buffering Point Topologies
Buffering Network Topologies
merged point buffers
buffer offset
buffer offset
Buffering Polygon Topologies
positive buffer offset

negative buffer offset
The buffer offset can be a positive or negative numeric value, an expression,

a value specified by object data, or a value linked to an external database
record. Note that you can use negative offset values for polygon topologies
only.
Example of Buffer Analysis

To find potential locations for a dump site, you might create two sets of polygons: one representing areas that are not residential, and the other a buffered
area around major roads.
217
Querying Topology Data

Online Help Index
topology, querying
A topology query allows you to retrieve a loaded topology and its associated
data from the active project or an attached drawing. You can also query part
of a topology in a source drawing and work on that part of the topology without having to retrieve all the objects that make up the topology.
You can use a topology query when working with topologies only, or when
you want to select one topology to query. Use a standard query for nontopology or mixed data. Combining object property and topology queries may
give unpredictable results.
You can use all four types of query conditions:
Location
Property
Data
SQL
There are three differences between using standard queries and topology queries:
Topology queries work with only one topology; standard queries work
with all objects in the attached drawings.
Topology Property queries can be based on polygon values of Area,

Length, Perimeter, and Direction; links also have predefined object data
for Direct Resistance and Reverse Resistance.
Property alterations work differently with polygon topologies.
Creating a Result Topology

Online Help Index
topology, result
When you use a topology query, you can hold the retrieved information in
the active project in three types of topology:
NoneNo information is added to the geometry in the current drawing.
TemporaryInformation is retrieved and stored in memory as a topology

with a name preceded by an asterisk (*).
You cannot save back the temporary topology to the queried drawings.
However, you can rename the temporary topology, or you can retain the
topology in the project.
218
PermanentThe query retrieves data and creates a topology in the active

project. You can save back this topology to the source drawings. The topology name must not be preceded by an asterisk (*).
Dissolving Topologies
Online Help Index
topology, dissolving
You can break a polygon or network topology into its constituent elements
by dissolving a topology. You select a Dissolve By field to define the process.
The Dissolve By field can be an object data variable or a column in a linked
external database. Data is broken down into the lowest common denominator.
When you dissolve a topology, a new topology is created containing the
results. If you want, you can also choose to highlight the resulting topology
onscreen when its created. You remove the highlighting by typing REGEN or
REDRAW on the command line.
Dissolving Polygons
The dissolving polygons option checks each boundary between polygons to
see if the Dissolve By field value is the same for both. If so, the boundary and
one of the centroids are removed. All object data fields except for the dissolve
and any new topology fields are removed as shown in the following illustration.
1
2
Dissolve
on Soil
4
Composite Object Data
Simplified Object Data
ID
1
2
3
4
ID Soil
1 Gravel
2 Sand
Soil
Gravel
Gravel
Sand
Sand
Bedrock
Granite
Slate
Sandstone
Mudstone
If adjacent polygons do not contain the Dissolve By field, the boundary is

not dissolved and the resulting polygon has a blank value for that field.
219
Dissolving Network Links

When you dissolve network links, Autodesk Map checks nodes between lines
to see whether two lines intersect at a specified node and whether the Dissolve By field is the same. If so, the node is removed, and the two links are
joined to form one link. All object data fields except for the dissolve and any
new topology fields are removed as shown in the following illustration.
ID
1
2
3
4
5
River
Agua Fria
Grande
Caliente
Grande
Grande
Depth
97
204
42
351
363
ID
1
2
3
4
River
Agua Fria
Grande
Caliente
Grande
If adjacent lines do not contain the Dissolve By field, the node is not dissolved and the resulting polyline has a blank value for that field.
Online Help Index

topology, saving and
loading profiles
Saving and Loading Settings Using Profiles

You can save your topology overlay or network trace analysis settings in a
profile and use them again later. This can save time if you plan to use the
same settings more than once. Profiles are also useful when you automate
topology analysis with scripts. Topology profiles are saved as *.tpf files.
You can edit topology profiles in Autodesk Map and then save your changes,
choosing either to replace an existing profile or save it as a new profile. Do
not edit topology profiles outside of Autodesk Map. Doing so may produce
unexpected results.
220
Topology Applications
This section contains examples of the use of topology in spatial and geographic analysis for help in planning and decision making. Many applications of topology and topology analysis involve some elements of node, network, and polygon topology.
Examples of Network Topology

Here are some examples of the use of network topology with comparisons of
flow-direction limitations:
A river drainage is a tree type network with more branches the further
upstream you go. River junctions are nodes, but generally these nodes are
not identified or used. Every segment of a river drainage has a distinct flow
direction.
A water-distribution network generally has a series of loops to provide

redundancy and to balance flows. The water in some of the system can
flow in either direction. Water systems have nodes (or junctions) at the
intersections of pipes. A single link may be very long with a single identifier; but nodes may occur for junctions, service connections, valves,
hydrants, and so on.
A sewer network is very much like a river or drainage system, with singledirection downstream flow. Unlike a river, however, there are many
explicit nodes where manholes are located. Some of these nodes occur at
junctions, but many occur within a segment of pipe to provide service
access.
You can specify flow direction in all these cases. Other applications of network topology include street plans, oil pipelines, and electrical, telephone,
storm drainage, and gas networks.
Street Networks
A street network has many loops and interconnections, and most of the segments are bidirectional. However, there are segments that are one way and
allow traffic flow in only one direction.
Every street segment can be stored as a link with nodes at street intersections,
and because a link has direction, you can define the direction of each street
segment. You can also define information about flow along that segment as
a resistance.
Topology Applications
221
This resistance information is stored as object data, so you can reference a different object data table to view resistance at different times of day. Information on streets (links) is stored at a given intersection (node). The network
topology is used for shortest-path trace and best route analysis.
Note To carry out network path trace, best route, and flood trace analysis on
a road network based on time rather than distance, you need to define an object
data table and a field containing data for each street.
Examples of Polygon Topology

Polygons can represent many things on a map, but they often represent data
for given areas. Different sets of polygons can represent different sets of area
types of data. Polygon topology can show population density, voting by
region, land use, soil types, drainage patterns, and other area types of data.
Here are some applications and examples of polygon topologies:
City blocks, which are formed by the surrounding streets. (Census data
often includes information on which block is on the left and which is on
the right on each city street.)
Watersheds, which are the drainage areas for sets of streams and rivers,
represent a dividing line between different drainage systems.
Land use and land cover.
Defining fire or police districts; assigning parcels to the districts.
Defining water pressure zones; assigning addresses to zones.
Utility district service boundaries.
Emergency Services
An emergency call is received by a radio dispatcher, who locates the address
of the caller. The dispatcher needs to determine the reporting district of the
address, and uses street information stored as a polygon topology. The polygons define each reporting district, and the topology allows you to locate the
polygon (for example, the left side of the street points to the polygon on the
left side) based on the street segment (matching an address to a street segment side). Once the district is determined, the dispatcher uses the street network to determine the fastest way to get from the emergency center to the
caller by using shortest-path tracing.
222
Part 4
Displaying and Presenting
Maps
Chapter 16
Thematic Map Design
Chapter 17
Plotting Maps
223
224
Thematic Map Design
16
Thematic maps use graphical properties and values,
In this chapter
such as size or color, to represent data on a map. You can
Understanding thematic maps
use thematic maps to show the distribution of data over
Creating thematic maps

Creating thematic maps using
a physical area, for example, the distribution of population across a country or the distribution of property val-
thematic queries
Creating advanced thematic
maps
ues across a city. Using the thematic design capabilities

of Autodesk Map, you can define the data you want to
display, change the properties of the queried data,
assign display parameters, and create a legend.
225
Understanding Thematic Maps

Thematic mapping is the process of displaying the characteristics and data
properties of objects using graphic elements. Thematic maps make information more visible by changing how objects look. You can use thematic maps
to tell a story by changing the map colors, linetypes, symbols, text, or other
features of your information. For example, use a larger dot to display cities
with a larger population, or use a wider line to draw roads with high traffic
volume, or color blue all pipes older than 20 years.
You can add a legend to a thematic map to explain the colors, symbols, and
other alterations used in the map.
To create a thematic map, you determine the following:
What information do you want to emphasize in the map.

For example, if you have a map of roads in an area, you could emphasize
information about road widths, about traffic density, about pavement
type, about traffic direction, or about any other object data, external database data, or property associated with the roads.
How you will display the information.

For example, if you are displaying information about road widths, you
could modify the width of the line used to draw the road. To display information about pavement type, you could use different line types, such as
solid or dotted, or you could use different colors. To display information
about traffic direction, you could add an arrow symbol to show the direction of one-way streets.
You can display information in a thematic map by using color (either outline, hatched, or filled), line format (line width and linetype), annotation,
or symbols (blocks already in the current or attached drawings).
You use a thematic query to retrieve the objects that you want to alter for
your map. To include other, unaltered, objects in your map, for example rivers, unmodified roads, or other landmarks, you can also define and run a
standard query.
226
Chapter 16 Thematic Map Design
The following thematic map shows the land use type associated with each
polygon by using modified shadings. This map also includes unmodified
streams and rivers that were retrieved by a standard query.
Do not include too much data in your thematic maps. They lose effectiveness
when they become cluttered and overwhelming. It is better to produce two
or more maps showing a series of features than to include everything on one
map.
Creating Thematic Maps

Online Help Index
thematic maps
Autodesk Map provides three methods to create thematic maps.
The Thematic Wizard provides the fastest and most convenient way to
create thematic maps. The wizard steps you through the process of selecting a data source, specifying how to display the data, and creating a legend. You can create a thematic map based on either objects or topology.
You access the wizard from the Thematic Manager, which provides a central location in the project workspace for viewing and organizing thematic
maps. When you open Map, you will see the Thematic tab in the Project
Workspace. Clicking the tab opens the Thematic Manager and gives you
access to any themes that have been created and stored in the drawing.
Creating Thematic Maps
227
Online Help Index

The Thematic Query option on the Map menu provides similar features to
the wizard. You can run more than one thematic query, and you can combine thematic queries with standard queries. See Creating Advanced Thematic Maps on page 232.
The Property Alteration option of the Define Query command lets you
produce more complex thematic maps.
Thematic Queries have the following limitations:
You can specify objects only by location, by layer, and by block attributes.
You cannot specify the objects you retrieve for the map based on object
data, external data, or properties.
When specifying the objects you retrieve, you can combine the criteria
using only the AND operator, that is, objects must meet all selected criteria. You cannot combine criteria using OR and NOT combinations.
When selecting the data to use for the object modification, you can select
only one SQL expression, object data value, or property. You cannot use
multiple data sources.
If you modify the objects by adding text, you can add only static text for
each range. That is, you can add a specific text string to all the objects that
fall within that range. You cannot add variable text that is based on object
properties or on data stored in an object data table or an external database
table.
You can add only one line of text per object. You cannot add multiple
lines.
Creating Thematic Maps Using Thematic

Queries
Whether you use the wizard or one of the older methods to create your thematic map, you will need to perform similar tasks.
Selecting Objects of Interest

To create a thematic map, you select the criteria for retrieving the objects that
will appear in it. If you select more than one criteria, only objects that meet
all criteria will appear. For example, if you specify a location and a layer, the
object must be inside the location and on the layer. If you specify a location
for a topology query, objects must be in the topology and in the specified
location.
228
Online Help Index

queries, options
You can set a query option to specify how blocks and text are retrieved if you
limit by location. You can specify that a block or text object should be
retrieved if either its insertion point lies within the query area or its bounding box lies within the query area.
For more information on specifying a location condition, see Finding
Objects Based on Location on page 193.
Keep in mind that while all objects in the selected location, layer, and block
will appear in the thematic map, the objects will be modified only if they fall
into one of the categories you define for the display parameters.
Creating a Thematic Expression

You must also specify which property or attached data of the retrieved object
you want to use to modify the object. For example, you can modify roads
based on data stored in an object data table. You can modify objects based on
the following criteria:
A property, such as area, elevation, layer, or object type

Object data, block attributes, or database link data
Linked data in an external database table
Setting Display Parameters

You also need to specify how to modify the objects:
Specify the display property you want to change for the object. For example, you can change the color, fill, line format, or symbol for the object,
or you can add text to the object.
Specify whether you want the map to be discrete or continuous.

Discrete information is data where each value is a distinct category, such
as pipe material, land use, or pavement type. For example, an agricultural
thematic map might show different crops in different colors or shading.
Online Help Index

thematic maps, legends
Continuous data is data where the data can be any value along a continuum, such as property value, temperature, or population. When you display this type of data, you define ranges for the values. For example, you
could divide property values into three ranges: 0 to $50,000, $50,000 to
$100,000, and over $100,000.
Optionally, you can create a legend for your thematic map.
229
Sample Thematic Maps

This section shows some examples of thematic maps.
The following map shows the number of contaminated groundwater locations for each county. The base map was linked to an external database that
listed the number of contamination locations for each county.
To create the previous map, the Thematic Expression used the SQL option to
specify the appropriate field and table for the groundwater data. The Display
Parameter is Symbol, and each range specified the block name, scale, and
color for the symbol, and the description to include in the legend. In the
resulting thematic map, the scale and color of the GWATER block is determined by the number of contaminated locations in the county.
230
The following map shows average traffic counts for roads in a city. Object
data is attached to each segment of the highway.
To create the previous map, the Objects of Interest were limited to the
STREETS layer. The Thematic Expression used the Data option to specify the
appropriate field and table for the traffic counts. The Display Parameter is
Line Format, and for each range the user has specified the linetype, width,
and color for the line.
In the following illustration, earthquake risk in the USA is shown by different
shading density.
231
The following map is a work order showing the street locations of valves that
need to be replaced with a newer version.
To create the previous map, a standard query was used to retrieve the streets.
Then a thematic query was used to retrieve the valve blocks. The Thematic
Expression used the Property option to specify Block Name. The Display
Parameter was Text and the range table had one line, specifying that blocks
named VALVE be annotated with the text string ID 4715.
Creating Advanced Thematic Maps

Online Help Index
This section provides some examples of advanced thematic maps you can
create using the wizard or the Property Alteration feature. For information on
creating queries, see Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze Data. See especially Altering the Properties of Queried Objects on page 205.
Note As with the Thematic Query feature, the Property Alteration feature does
not modify the original objects in the source drawings. It modifies only the copies of the objects that are retrieved into the project drawing. If you wish, you can
save these modifications back to the source drawings.
232
Here are some of the things you can do in advanced thematic maps:
In addition to retrieving objects based on their location, you can retrieve

objects based on their properties or on data associated with the object in
an object data table or in an external database table. For example, you
could retrieve only objects that have an area of greater than 50,000 feet,
or only objects with a pavement surface (stored in an object data table) of
gravel, or only objects with an inspection date (stored in a linked external
database table) earlier than 1989.
When retrieving objects, you can combine conditions using the AND, OR,
and NOT operators. For example, you can retrieve objects that are on the
STREETS layer but are not limited access streets.
When you modify objects, you can modify more than one property of the
object. For example, you could change the color of the object and add
text, or you could move the object to a different layer, change its color,
and change its linetype.
If you add text to an object, the text can be customized for each object by
using values stored in an object data table or an external database table.
For example, if you stored parcel ID numbers in an external database table,
you could add the parcel ID number to each parcel in the map. You can
add multiple lines of text to an object.
The following illustration shows a well with object data identifying a reference number, water depth, and aquifer type.
Note The default insertion point for text property alteration is the text label
point, which is the midpoint of a linear object or center of an arc or circle. For
more information, see Defining Text Insertion Points on page 136.
Online Help Index

queries, using expressions
You can save a query for later use. When you next use the query, you can,
if you wish, edit the conditions or the property alterations.
If you save the query to an external file, you can share the query with
other projects and other users. You then need to edit the query using a text
editor. You can also add other expressions and AutoLISPAPI commands
to the file. See Saving Queries on page 206 for more information.
Creating Advanced Thematic Maps
233
234
Plotting Maps
17
Creating a plot of your map is the last stage of present-
In this chapter
ing your mapping information. Autodesk Map gives
Plotting with Autodesk Map
you tools to facilitate the production of tiled maps as
Creating a plot set

General plotting techniques
map books, improve the look of your maps, and create

title blocks. You can save a plotting configuration for
Creating effective and attractive
maps
later use.
235

This section describes how to produce high-quality maps and map books
with Autodesk Map. If you are plotting only one map, you can use the PLOT
command as described in the online AutoCADCommand Reference. See also
Chapter 16, Thematic Map Design, in this manual.
Understanding Layouts
Autodesk Map uses a feature called layouts to make plotting easier. Layouts
simulate working on a sheet of paper and show views of your drawing as it
would look within the printable area of the paper. A layout displays what will
actually be printed, reducing the need for time-consuming plot checks. The
layout also stores settings for the page setup, including plot device, print
area, rotation, plot offset, paper size, and scale. You specify these settings
when you create the layout. For more information about layouts, refer to
Creating a Layout to Plot in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
You can also save output device and page setup settings as named page setups. When you are ready to plot, you can specify a named page setup. You
can apply different named page setups to the same layout to achieve specific
results when plotting.
For example, to control scaling and paper size, you might create the sample
named page setups in the following table.
236
Page Setup Name
Description
NoScaling - Esheet
Plot at scale 1:1, E-size sheet
Scale1to2 - Csheet
Plot at scale 1:2, C-size sheet
Draft - Dsheet
Plot to the draft-quality plotter
Final - Dsheet
Plot to the high-quality plotter
Scale-to-Fit - Asheet
Scale to fit, A-size sheet
Chapter 17 Plotting Maps
You need to specify a page setup for the layout only oncewhen you create
the layout. You dont need to specify these settings again each time you plot.
If you want to plot the same layout more than one way or if you want to specify the same output options for several layouts, use named page setups.
Defining a Plot Map Set

A plot map set is a complete definition of all the parameters needed to plot a
map or series of maps. You can save a series of plots and plot option settings
to a plot set, and then plot all the maps as a map book in one operation. You
can also save the plot configuration and plot a series of maps at regular intervals to reflect changes made in the interim. Plotting a map set bypasses the
standard PLOT command.
Four components are required to define a plot set:
Attached source drawing files

A plot template block
A saved plot query to bring in required objects
Map sheet boundaries
You must completely define all four components before you start the Plot
Map Set function. The plot set information is stored in an object data table
in the active project. The following sections provide information about each
component.
Attach Source Drawings

You must attach all source drawings you need for the plot before you start the
Plot Map Set function. Drawings do not have to be activated.
Create a Plot Template Block

Online Help Index
plotting maps, creating
plot template block
The plot template block defines how each plot in the plot set is laid out. The
plot template block also acts as the title block (or title page) for a map. You
must define a plot template block before you define a plot set.
Each plot template block must contain at least one floating viewport in paper
space on a separate layer. You use floating viewports to contain different
views of your map. In paper space, you can treat floating viewports as objects
that you can move and resize to create a suitable layout. Refer to Working
in Paper Space and Creating Floating Viewports in Creating a Layout to
Plot in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
237
The plot template block can also include a secondary viewport, known as a
reference view, which is a viewport showing the boundaries of the pages in the
map book. The reference view should also be on a separate layer.
Reference viewport
showing map sheet
boundaries
Main, floating
viewport
Plot template block
The block should include all the map annotation you want to plot: scale bar,
legend, table of symbols, north arrow, and so on.
You can use an existing title block as a plot template block, but the title block
must meet the following criteria:
Be defined in paper space

Contain at least one floating viewport in paper space
If there is more than one floating viewport, the main viewport must be on a
specified unique layer. The title block must be defined in the current drawing
used to create the plot set. You need to draw your title block in paper space
with the model space viewport.
For more information about using paper space and floating viewports, refer
to Creating a Layout to Plot in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
238
Define and Save a Plot Query

Plot queries must be available before you use the Plot Map Set function. You
cannot define a plot set query while you are using the Plot Map Set function.
You can make queries available in the following ways:
Online Help Index
queries, library
Define a query in the active project and save the query.

Use a saved query in the query library. (The query library is part of the
active project.)
Run an external query and then save it as part of the active project.
In all these cases, you can execute a query in Preview mode to check that the
data you query is the data you require. See Saving Queries on page 206.
Create Map Sheet Boundaries

Online Help Index
plotting maps, creating
map sheet boundary
drawing
To plot a large mapped area at a large scale, you can divide a map into a tiled
series of maps used as a map book or atlas.
The Plot Map Set function requires predefined boundaries in a separate drawing file. Each plot boundary must be a closed two-dimensional polyline,
identified by a name stored as object data on a specified layer. You can use
one of the following methods to define a set of 2D polylines:
PLINE command
BOUNDARY (BPOLY) command
Create Closed Polylines command on the Topology menu
See Using Polygons and Closed Polylines on page 141

You use object data to set a plot boundary name and attach it to a plot boundary in two ways:
Define a new object data table; then create object data for each polyline
and attach the data.
See Defining Object Data Tables on page 166 and Attaching Object
Data to Objects on page 167.
Create text in a drawing, or use existing text or block attributes as the basis
for object data. Then attach the object data to the 2D polylines.
The Generate Links command attaches existing text as object data to objects.
From the Map menu, choose Database Generate Links. You can create the
polylines by querying information from attached drawings into the active
project. You need to create a new object data table and use text as object data
values, and then attach the data to the polylines.
239
Creating a Plot Set

Once you have all the components ready, you can create the plot set. If your
drawing contains any objects that are in a save set, the Plot Map Set function
will not work.
Online Help Index

plotting maps
See Chapter 2, Sharing and Saving Drawings.

To define a new plot set, you must complete the steps described in the following sections. If you have already defined a plot set, you can simply run
the existing plot set.
Selecting the Plot Template Block

Online Help Index
plotting maps, specifying
plot template block
First, you need to specify the block to use as the plot template block, the layer
containing the viewport for the map, whether to use a reference view, and
the layer holding that viewport.
Selecting Source Drawings

After specifying the template block, select the source drawings required for
the map plot. The drawings must be attached to the active project; however,
they do not need to be active before you start the Plot Map Set function.
Online Help Index

plotting maps, source
drawings
You must choose the drawings you want to include in the plot set. Do not
select the attached boundary drawing. If any of the drawings you want to
plot are not active, you can select the Activate Drawings At Plot Time option.
Retrieving Data to Plot

Online Help Index
query
240
The next step is to retrieve the data that you want to plot from the source
drawings. If you select more than one query, the queries are combined with
an AND operator.
Selecting Boundaries for the Plot Set

Online Help Index
Next, you choose the boundaries of the map sheets for the new plot set.

boundary information
If the boundary drawing is not already attached to the project, you can attach
it at the same time that you select it.
If you want to use object data from the boundary file in the title block, see
the following section, Mapping Object Data to the Title Block.
When you complete the Boundary Object Data, you can select boundaries
from the external file.
Mapping Object Data to the Title Block

If the plot template block you chose contains block attributes, you can map
values from the object data table in the boundary file to those attributes. For
example, the boundary file object data table can hold data such as the map
source, scale, and district. If the plot title block has attributes corresponding
to such data, you can map the data to the plot title block, so the plot title
block appears when you plot the data.
Specifying Plot Set Options

Online Help Index
plotting maps, options
Finally, you specify the plot set options that control the appearance of the
plot. The plot set options control the actual plotting of the data defined by
the previous options. The following sections explain the various options.
All the information you set here and in the foregoing procedures is stored in
the plot set definition. When you click OK in the Plot Set Definition dialog
box, the settings are saved to the current plot set name.
Main View Scale

Using the options in this section you can set a scale or fill the plot sheet with
the plot. To set a scale, enter a value in the form X:Y, for example, 1:25000.
This scale corresponds to the paper space:model space scale. You can use the
Plot To Fit option to fit the data inside each boundary into the viewport, but
you wont know the scale used for the plot.
For more information on map scales, see Map Scales and Distortion on
page 75. For information on setting plot scales, refer to Creating a Layout to
Plot in the online AutoCAD Users Guide.
Creating a Plot Set
241
Reference View Scale

This section is available only if you specified a reference view. The command
scales the reference view to show all the current boundary, and then reduces
the image size by the Reference Scale. For example, if you set Reference Scale
to 0.25, the view zooms out by a factor of four. This is similar to using the
ZOOM command with a scale factor of 0.25x.
Boundary Edge Options (Buffer)

Using the Buffer Boundary option, you can define an area around a plotted
map to act as a continuation to surrounding maps. In the following illustration, the larger map is divided into a series of tiled maps.
Defined map
boundaries
Plotted area
(includes map buffer)
The defined map boundary need not be defined as a rectangular shape,

although the buffer is clipped to the minimum bounding rectangle required.
You can specify the buffer distance by entering a value or by choosing Select
and picking a plotted distance on screen. Generally, you should allow a 35
percent overlap on each map edge.
242
The True option specifies an offset of an existing plot boundary line; Rectilinear offsets the minimum bounding rectangle for a map boundary polyline.
Rectilinear boundary
True boundary
Map extents
Boundary Edge Options (Trim)

Using the Trim Objects At Boundaries option, you can clip objects that cross
over a map boundary edge, with the following results:
Linear or edge objects, such as lines, polylines, and arcs, break into two
objects.
Objects with a defined insertion point, such as text, blocks, and hatch, are
placed in a map area according to the location of their insertion points.
See Breaking Objects at Map Boundaries on page 138

For a complete example of using the Plot Map Set function, work through
Lesson 2, Creating a Map Book, in Tutorial VI of the online Autodesk Map
tutorials. To open the tutorials, choose Tutorials from the Help menu.
Template Block Settings

There are two sets of layers that you can control:
Reference View Layers To DisplayUse this option if you selected Reference View Layer in the Plot Template Block dialog box. You can display
the objects used for the map boundaries and major features, such as roads
or coastlines with this option, but keep in mind that too many objects create a cluttered, unclear view.
For more explanation, see Selecting the Plot Template Block on page
240.
Main View Layers To FreezeThe main view layer holds the viewport definition. You can freeze this layer so an artificial boundary does not appear
on the plotted map. You can also freeze layers holding details with such
fine high scale that the plot would be fuzzy or unclear.
Creating a Plot Set
243
General Plotting Techniques

The effectiveness of a map depends on the amount and type of information
shown on the map, and on its appearance. Appropriate annotation choices
and the uses of color, linetypes, and other display properties make a map
more complete and easier to interpret.
See Chapter 14, Using Queries to Analyze Data, and Creating Advanced
For information about creating raster output, see Exporting Raster Images
on page 117.
Using Linetypes to Annotate Contour Lines

The following illustration shows a topographic map with contours annotated
at 100-meter intervals. You can create a custom linetype for each contour
height.
Note The direction in which you draw the line affects the orientation of the
text. The lines in the preceding illustration were drawn in a clockwise direction
starting in the top left corner.
For example, the linetype definition for the 500 contour in the illustration is
added to a .lin file and assigned to a layer:
*500_Contour,----500----500----500----500
A,1,-.2,["500",STANDARD,S=.1,R=0.0,X=-0.1,Y=-.05],-.25
For more information on customizing linetypes, refer to Linetypes and

Hatch Patterns in the online AutoCAD Customization Guide.
244
Creating Effective and Attractive Maps

The appearance of a map determines its effectiveness. Follow these guidelines
to present map data effectively:
The map should be made up of elements of nearly equal size with no features dominating the map. Text size should be neither too small to be read
nor so large that the text dominates or obscures features.
If the map covers more than one sheet, there should be a 35 percent overlap between sheets. Text labels, such as town or feature names, should be
in the same relative position on each sheet.
Use different symbols (blocks) to represent different features or landmarks, such as hospitals, churches, and cemeteries. Draw symbols at an
appropriate scale so they are legible and do not obscure other data.
Use linetypes and colors to represent different features. Representing

roads as double lines can be helpful for small areas, such as subdivisions,
or for maps in which right-of-way information is important.
Do not use too many colors or the map becomes too bright and the colors
dominate. Try to use only four colors.
Do not try to present too much data on the map. Maps are more effective
when they show topics clearly. If you have a great deal of data to draw,
consider making two or more maps.
The following annotations make a complete and effective presentation.

Some maps may not require all of these items:
Complete legend showing all symbols used on the map and their meanings, not obscuring map data
Scale bar, representative fraction, or other statement of scale
North arrow
Global coordinate system used for the map
Source of the map data, including the base map and source of added
details
Date of completion and any revision dates
List of cartographers and map editors involved in creating the map
Drawing file name of the map
Creating Effective and Attractive Maps
245
The following optional items greatly help the presentation and analysis of
map information:
Legible road names positioned in the center of the road or offset from the
center, and drawn at suitable intervals
Coordinate annotation and a border along the outside of the map area
Grid lines of the coordinate system
Hatch filling of closed polygonal features, such as lakes
Placing Text
Online Help Index
For guidelines on placing text in a map, see the online help.
annotations for plotted

maps
246
Glossary
This glossary contains definitions for mapping terms. If the term you are
looking for is not here, you may find it in the online glossary of drawing terms.
ADE query
API
See Map query.
Application Programming Interface.
aspect ratio
The ratio of the width of a raster image to its height.
attribute data Text data that describes the characteristics of map objects. Attribute data
is stored in tables and databases, which are linked to selected drawing objects. Compare
with spatial data, block attribute, and data element. See also external data and
object data.
ASE (AutoCAD SQL Environment) In previous versions of Autodesk Map, provided
links to data in external database management systems. These links are now handled
using data source connections.
azimuth The angle between a base line radiating from a center point and another line
radiating from the same point. Normally the base line points north, and measurements
are made clockwise from the base line.
block attribute
Text associated with a block object.
Boolean operator The logical operators used to join conditions in a query or expression, named for the logic algebra devised by nineteenth-century mathematician George
Boole. See also intersection and union.
buffer
A zone drawn around a topology with a specified offset.
buffer fence A fence, or line, at a specified distance from a center line. Used to define a
selection boundary.
Cartesian coordinate system A coordinate system defined using three perpendicular
axes (X, Y, and Z) to specify locations in three-dimensional space. Compare with spherical
coordinate system.
cartographic coordinate system A coordinate system that is referenced directly to an
ellipsoid. Compare with geodetic coordinate system.
catalog For some SQL database systems, the alias for the path that contains
subdirectories for database files. See also schema.
cell The specific data value in the box where a row and a column in a database table
intersect. See also table.
centroid A point or block that is part of a polygon in a topology. The centroid holds
information about the polygons area and perimeter.
247
cleanup The process of using Map editing tools to remove errors and unnecessary data
from digitized, scanned, or imported maps before the data is used to create topology.
Cleanup is also useful before creating thematic maps.
color depth The amount of information stored with each pixel of a raster image to
define its color.
column A specific category of information in a table, such as Address or Diameter, also
called a field. In a grid, columns are displayed vertically. See also table.
conformal projection, conformality Conformal projections maintain local angles. A
map projection is conformal when the scale is the same in every direction at any point.
Meridians and parallels intersect at right angles; the shape of small areas and angles with
very short sides are preserved. Most larger area sizes are distorted.
conic projection A map projection in which the earths surface is drawn as it would
appear if projected on a cone wrapped around the earth. The Lambert Conformal Conic
is often used for maps of the continental United States, France, and other countries.
continuous data Data that can fall anywhere in a broad range. For thematic maps,
continuous data is usually organized into smaller ranges that show data trends. For
example, property value is continuous data that can be placed into the ranges 0 to
$50,000, $50,000 to $100,000, and over $100,000, with each range displayed in a different color. Compare with discrete data.
control points Locations with established latitude and longitude, and often elevation,
used for accuracy and precise location of maps. A system of geodetic control points covers the entire United States. Similar systems exist for all countries, such as Bench Marks
and Trigonometry Points in the United Kingdom. See also monuments.
coordinate system See global coordinate system.
cylindrical projection A map projection, in which the earths surface is drawn as it
would appear if projected on a cylinder wrapped around the earth in a north-south
direction. Compare with transverse cylindrical projection. See also Mercator projection
and conic projection.
dangle A link or line, one end of which lacks a connection to another link or node. See
also cleanup.
data element Information in an external file format, such as DGN, MIF, or SHP, which
provides additional textual information about features. See also attribute data.
data file
A set of data records (or table rows). Same as table.
data source A UDL (universal data link) file that points to a collection of data and provides information on how to access the data.
data type The type of data that a field in a table can contain, such as text, date, Boolean, or long integer. The data type determines the type and range of values that can be
entered in the field, the amount of storage space available, and the amount of space allocated in the database to store the data. You specify the data type when you create the
field in the table.
database A table or a set of tables containing data related to a particular subject or purpose that is organized so that its contents can easily be accessed, managed, and updated.
database connection Provides links to data in external database management systems
such as Access, dBASE, and Oracle.
248
Glossary
database driver The communication link between Autodesk Map and a database
management system. Typically, this is an OLE DB driver provided by the database vendor.
Database Management System (DBMS) A computer-based system or application
software used to create and maintain a database, for example, Access, dBASE, or Oracle.
database query A set of conditions for specifying the selection of records from a database. External database queries, also called joins and views, are created using your database software and can be run from the Project Workspace. When you run a database
query and view the results in the Data View, the data is not editable. Use a Data View
SQL filter to limit the records displayed in the Data View, while still being able to edit
the data. See also Map query.
datum A mathematical model that provides a smooth approximation of the earths
surface. Each datum includes both an ellipsoid, which specifies the size and shape of
the earth, and a base point for latitude and longitude. If two maps use different datums,
points on the map may not line up. Also called a geodetic coordinate system.
digitize To convert existing data from paper maps, aerial photos, or raster images into
digital form by tracing the maps on a digitizer. Object locations are recorded as X,Y coordinates.
discrete data Data that falls into explicit categories. For thematic maps, each value is
displayed differently. For example, an agricultural thematic map might show each crop
in a different color. Compare with continuous data.
display information A description of the appearance of a drawing object: includes
color, hatch pattern, line type, and so on.
dither To use a pattern of solid dots to simulate more colors than are actually available
when displaying images.
dot variable Variable that refers to an object property. It consists of a period (.) followed by the variable name for that property. Dot variables can be entered in expressions used for building a template file for Report mode queries and for property alteration. See also query and expression.
drawing cleanup The process of removing errors or unnecessary data from a digitized,
scanned, or imported map. See cleanup.
drawing set
The set of drawings attached to a project.
edge matching A map cleanup function that allows for distortion between adjacent
maps, and produces a true match of objects at the edges of maps.
element (Oracle Spatial database) The basic building block of an Oracle Spatial
geometry. The supported spatial element types are points, line strings, and polygons.
For example, elements might model water wells (point clusters), roads (line strings), and
county boundaries (polygons).
ellipsoid An approximation of the earths shape that does not account for variations
caused by the nonuniform density of the earth. Synonymous with spheroid. See also
geoid.
environment An SQL environment contains the Database Management System
(DBMS), the databases it can access, and the users and programs that can access those
databases.
Glossary
249
equal area A map projection in which every part, as well as the whole, has the same
area as the corresponding part on the earth, at the same reduced scale. No flat map can
be equal area and represent true shape.
Equator The line of latitude drawn around the middle of the earth equidistant from
the North and South Poles, used as the origin for latitude measurements.
equidistant projections Projections showing true distances only from the center of
the projection or along a special set of lines. No flat map can be both equidistant and
equal area.
expression The statement you enter in the Expression box in the Output Report
Options dialog box or the Property Alteration dialog box. The expression directs
Autodesk Map in performing operations on queried objects.
expression evaluator The mechanism that analyzes the statement you enter in the
Expression box in the Output Report Options dialog box or the Property Alteration dialog box.
extents The smallest rectangle that contains all objects in a map, that is, the outermost
boundaries of the map.
external data Attribute data linked to a drawing object but contained in a database
apart from the drawing file. See also attribute data and object data.
features, geographic features
lines, and areas on a map.
Natural and man-made objects represented by points,
field A specific category of information in a data file, such as Address or Diameter. Also
called a column. See also record and table.
field data type The format of data stored in a field, such as character or numeric.
field value
The value of a specific field for a specific record. See also field and record.
filtered record A record that matches the conditions of an SQL filter or spatial filter
and is therefore available for selection.
geodetic coordinate system A coordinate system that is referenced directly to a
datum. Compare with cartographic coordinate system.
geographic analysis Analytical techniques that identify existing conditions of a geographic location, a spatial area, or a linear network, as well as predict the effects of certain future events on these features.
geographic data
Information about geographic features. See features.
geoid An ellipsoid with a highly irregular surface used to describe the shape of the
earth. See also ellipsoid.
geometry (Oracle Spatial database) The representation of a spatial feature, modeled
as an ordered set of primitive elements.
geometry mapping The process of transforming the geometry elements of Autodesk
Map objects to Oracle Spatial geometry, and transforming the geometry elements of the
records back to Autodesk Map objects.
GIS (Geographic Information System) A computerized decision support system that
integrates geographic data, attribute data, and other spatially referenced data. A GIS is
used to capture, store, retrieve, analyze, and display spatial data.
250
Glossary
global coordinate system A method that converts the earths spherical coordinates
representing latitude and longitude into an Autodesk Map drawings Cartesian coordinate system, and accounts for the curvature of the earths surface with a projection. A
coordinate system is usually defined by a projection, an ellipsoid definition, a datum
definition, one or more standard parallels, and a central meridian.
hatch
A regular pattern used to fill an area with a series of cross-angled lines.
intersection (expression) Two or more conditions joined with the logical operator
And. An item is selected only if the item meets all specified conditions. Compare with
union.
intersection (geometry) The location where one line, surface, or solid crosses another
so as to have one or more points in common.
join To link two or more tables in a relational database on the basis of a common item
or field. You create joins using your Database Management System (DBMS). You can
run joins from the Autodesk Map Project Workspace.
key column One or more columns in a table whose values are used to uniquely identify a record. To provide useful links, a key column should contain a unique value for
each record. Also called a key field.
key value A value stored on an object that specifies that value to match in the key
field of a table.
latitude The first part of a spherical coordinate system used to record positions on the
earths surface. Latitude indicates the angular distance north or south of the equator. See
also longitude.
legend
ues.
A key to or an explanation of the symbols in a map, and their meaning or val-
link (geometry) An element of geometry that connects nodes. In a polygon topology, a link defines a polygon edge. Links can contain vertices and true arcs, and can be
represented as a line, polyline, or arc. See also node.
link (external databases) The connection between a drawing object and its related
database data. The link data is stored on the linked drawing object and contains the
name of the link template and the key value used to identify the associated record in
the linked table. An object may have more than one link.
link template A data structure that contains the path information to a database table
and specifies one or more key fields in that table.
lock To make all or part of a disk file read-only so that it cannot be modified by other
users on a network. Object locking applies to objects that are being edited by another
user. File locking applies to entire files, for example when an AutoCAD user wants to
open a file while the file is in Autodesk Map editing mode.
logical operator A symbol such as And, Or, Not, =, >, >=, <, and <= used to define logical relationships. See also intersection, union, query, and Boolean.
longitude The second part of a spherical coordinate system used to record positions
on the earths surface. Longitude measures angular distance east or west of the prime
meridian, which runs through Greenwich, England. See also latitude.
Glossary
251
map An abstract representation of the physical features of a portion of the earths surface graphically displayed on a planar surface. Maps display signs, symbols, and spatial
relationships among the features. They typically emphasize, generalize, and omit certain
features from the display to meet design objectives. For example, railroad features might
be included in a transportation map but excluded from a highway map.
map cleanup The process of removing errors or unnecessary data from a digitized,
scanned, or imported map. See also cleanup.
map projection A systematic representation of a spherical body, such as the earth, in
a flat (planar) surface. Each map projection has specific properties that make it suitable
for specific mapping needs.
Map query A set of conditions that specify the selection of drawing objects from
source drawings. Conditions in a Map query can be based on the location or properties
of an object or on data stored in the drawing or in a linked database table. See also topology query and database query.
MDI (Multiple Document Interface) The ability to have more than one window
open in an application. In Autodesk Map, you can have multiple projects open at one
time. To switch between projects, click the Window menu and choose the project you
want. The Project Workspace displays information for the current project.
Mercator projection A map projection, designed by Gerhardus Mercator, in which
the earths surface is drawn as it would appear if projected on a cylinder wrapped around
the earth. See also cylindrical projection.
meridian A great circle passing through both poles, corresponding to a line of
longitude.
metadata Additional descriptive information about data, such as the data source,
extents, and degree of accuracy.
monuments Features with known coordinates, used to establish accurate and precise
location on a map. See also control points.
network topology A description of the spatial relationship between linear geographic
features (links and, sometimes, nodes). For example, a network topology can represent
pipelines, streets, electrical transmission lines, and rivers.
node A single point or a link end point or intersection in a topology. A node can be
represented as a block or point object.
node topology A description of the spatial relationship between geographic point features. Examples of node topologies include point sources of pollution and road signs.
normalizing In thematic mapping, the scaling of data values relative to another data
value. A common example is adjusting the thematic value based on the area, length, or
perimeter of the entity.
object data Attribute data attached to an object and stored in the drawing file. Compare with external data.
ODBC Open Database Connectivity, a standard API (Application Programming Interface) used to communicate with Database Management Systems (ODBC), developed
by Microsoft.
pan To move the active view up, down, or sideways to display areas in the map that,
at the current viewing scale, lie outside the window.
252
Glossary
parallel
A degree of latitude that circles the earth parallel to the Equator.
plot template block An AutoCAD block that contains plotting information such as
title page text, plot layouts, legend, and other map annotations.
polygon A set of geometric links that form an enclosed area in a topology. Polygons
contain a centroid.
polygon topology A description of the spatial relationship between geographic area
features. Polygon topologies contain geometric links, nodes, and centroids. Examples of
polygon topologies are land use and land cover maps, political boundaries, parcels, and
soil types.
prime meridian The line of longitude drawn through Greenwich, England, used as
the origin for longitude measurements.
project A drawing file that includes links to a set of source drawings and other associated data such as saved queries, databases, link templates, and themes. You can open any
drawing file as either a project file or as a source drawing attached to a project.
Project Workspace Autodesk Map window that displays files and definitions available
in a project. The Project Workspace contains two tabs: Project and Thematic. The Project
tab displays attached source drawings, databases, queries, and link templates. The Thematic tab displays available themes and enables you to create new ones. You can resize
the Project Workspace window and place it where you want.
property alteration definition
ing a query.
The definition of properties you want to change dur-
pseudo node An unnecessary node in a geometric link. A pseudo node can be used to
store information about geographic point location or to represent change from one link
to another. See also cleanup.
purge
To remove all unused object definitions from an open drawing.
query A set of criteria for specifying the selection of objects or records. Autodesk Map
supports many types of queries. See Map query, topology query, database query, and
thematic query.
Query Library The set of queries saved in a project. You can add, delete, and modify
queries in the Query Library.
ramp A sequence of display properties used to render a thematic map; for example, a
sequence of colors, linestyles, or hatch patterns.
range of values In thematic mapping, a segment of data along a continuum, such as
property value, temperature, or population.
raster Images containing individual dots (called pixels or cells) with color values,
arranged in a rectangular, evenly spaced array. Aerial photographs and satellite images
are examples of raster images used in mapping. Compare with vector.
record In a data file, a uniformly structured set of data items, or field values. Also
called a row. See also table.
registration The preparation of a map for digitizing by calibrating a digitizing table to
convert an analog source to a digital file. See digitize.
render, rendering The process of taking an Oracle Spatial record and representing it
as an Autodesk Map object with display properties.
Glossary
253
resolution In a raster image, the density of pixels-per-inch (ppi) or dots-per-inch.

row A set of data in a table, also called a record. In a grid, rows are displayed horizontally. See also table.
rubber sheeting An editing method, used only when necessary, that attempts to correct errors by stretching a map to fit known control points or monuments.
save set Objects that have been created or modified in the project drawing and are
marked to be saved back to source drawings.
SDF (Spatial Data File) The proprietary Autodesk MapGuide file format that contains
the spatial data (such as roads, cities, and countries) used in maps. When you view a map
in Autodesk MapGuide Author or the Autodesk MapGuide Viewer, requests are sent to
Autodesk MapGuide Server, which reads the SDF and sends the correct map data back to
the client for display. Note that if a map layer contains points or text, the data may come
from an SQL database instead of an SDF.
scale The ratio of the distance on a paper map to the distance on the ground. If a paper
map has a scale of 1:100,000 (also represented as 1/100000), then a distance of 1 unit on
the paper map corresponds to 100,000 units on the ground. On a digital map, scale represents the scale of the map from which the digital map was derived.
schema For some SQL database systems, a schema contains the actual database tables.
Each schema includes tables related to a particular subject or purpose. See also table.
service
An Oracle database.
simplify linear objects A map cleanup function that reduces the number of vertices
on a line to reduce unnecessary complexity. Typically used with digitized data. Also
known as weeding or generalizing. See also cleanup.
source drawing A drawing file attached to a project. The set of all source drawings
attached to a project is called the drawing set. Use a Map query to retrieve selected
objects from multiple source drawings.
spatial
data.
A generic term used to reference the mathematical concept of n-dimensional
spatial analysis The process of understanding, extracting, or creating information

about a set of geographic features. Spatial analysis includes techniques used to determine the distribution of a feature, or features, over a network or area, and the relationships between those features. The location of, proximity to, and orientation of objects
can be analyzed with spatial analysis. It is useful for evaluating suitability and capability,
for estimating and predicting, and for interpreting.
spatial data Information about the location and shape of geographic features, and the
relationships between those features. See also features.
spatial database
A database containing information indexed by location.
spatial filter A selection of objects in the drawing that specify which records to display
in the active table or query. When a spatial filter is active, the Data View displays only
those records linked to selected objects. Compare with SQL filter.
spatial index An index created in an Oracle Spatial database by dividing the extents
of the drawings in the database into rectangular tiles. Autodesk Map uses the index to
locate the geometry to be imported.
254
Glossary
spherical coordinate system A coordinate system measured on the surface of a sphere

and expressed as angular distances. Compare with Cartesian coordinate system.
spheroid
See ellipsoid.
SQL Structured Query Language. A language designed to standardize communication

with databases.
SQL filter A series of SQL expressions that specify which records to select in the active
table or query. When an SQL filter is active, the Data View displays only those records
that match the filter criteria. Compare with spatial filter.
superuser
A user who controls user IDs, passwords, and access to sensitive procedures.
symbol table A term referring to the storage of named objects, including linetypes,
layers, text styles, and blocks.
table A set of data arranged in records (rows) and fields (columns). When a table is
displayed in a grid, records display in horizontal rows and fields display in vertical columns. Each field value in the table displays in a cell. Same as data file.
template file A file that formats another file, such as a text file for saving information
from queried objects. See also dot variable, query, and link template.
thematic map A map that depicts selected types of information related to one or more
specific themes. Data is highlighted, classified, or emphasized using display properties
and values such as color and line width. Examples are property assessment, housing
quality, population density, and rainfall maps.
thematic query A collection of saved settings identified by a unique name for the purpose of generating a thematic map. The thematic query specifies which spatial and
attribute data to query, and how to display the thematic objects.
theme
A single layer or component of a thematic map.
tolerance (drawing cleanup) The minimum distance allowed between linear objects
or nodes during drawing cleanup. If two linear objects or nodes are separated by a distance less than the tolerance, Autodesk Map corrects the error.
topology A set of geometric relationships between links, nodes, and centroids.
Topology describes how lines, nodes, and polygons connect and relate to each other,
and forms the basis for advanced GIS functions such as network tracing, spatial analysis,
buffer analysis, overlay analysis, and dissolving a polygon topology.
topology query An extension to a Map query that applies to a loaded topology. See
also Map query and thematic query.
transverse cylindrical projection A map projection, in which the earths surface is
drawn as it would appear if projected on a cylinder wrapped around the earth in an eastwest direction. Compare with cylindrical projection.
UDL (Universal Data Link) File with .udl extension that includes the name and location of the database table and the software used to create the file. Windows uses a UDL
file to identify a data source. Using the information in this file, programs such as
Autodesk Map can view and update data from external databases.
union Two or more conditions joined with the logical operator Or. An item is selected
only if the item meets at least one of the specified criteria. Compare with intersection.
Glossary
255
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection A specific implementation of the

Mercator projection, designed for use around the world. See also Mercator projection.
unlock
To release objects that were locked for editing.
vector A mathematical calculation of an object with precise direction and length. Vector data is stored as X,Y coordinates that form points, lines, and areas. Compare with
raster.
wavelet A multiple resolution image file compressed using a lossy compression that
enables large graphics to load much faster due to the reduction in file size. Wavelet compression is based on a mathematical algorithm in which graphic images can be reduced
to a small fraction of their original size.
zoom To change the display magnification so that it focuses on progressively smaller
areas (when you zoom in) or larger areas (when you zoom out) of an image.
zoom extents To magnify a drawing based on its extents so that the view shows the
largest possible view of all spatial objects.
256
Glossary
Index
A
acadmap.ini file 40
acadmap.sys file 40
accuracy, in digitizing data 103
adding
digital signatures 41
passwords 41
ade.pro file. See coordsys.csd file
ADEWHOHASIT 49
ADEZEXTENTS 29
administering topology 156
aliases. See drive aliases
angles
measuring 109
using to specify a point 107
annotation
guidelines 245
maps 245
ASE. See databases and links to databases
associative hatches 142
atlases 239
attaching
databases 175
digital signatures 41
passwords 41
auditing topology 161
Autodesk CAD Overlay 84, 86, 91
Autodesk MapGuide 114, 117
exporting to 117
importing from 114
SDF files 114, 117
azimuth 74
B
backgrounds
bitonal image transparency 91
image transparency 91
base classes 66
bearing
best route analysis 211
BHATCH 142
bitonal raster images
foreground color 91
frame color 91
block attributes
querying 195
blocks
attributes 241
object data 241
title 241
boundaries
breaking objects 138
plotting 243
Rectilinear option 243
trimming objects 139
True option 243
Boundary Break command 138
boundary edge clipping 243
breaking
crossing objects 126
objects at boundaries 138
buffer analysis, topology 216
Buffer Boundary option 242
buffer, defining 216
C
Cartesian coordinate system 74, 76, 77, 80
categories
of queries 206
cells 179
selecting 179
central meridian 81
centroids 136, 147, 154
classification. See feature classification
classified objects 71
cleaning up maps
anchoring objects 122
boundaries, breaking objects 138
boundaries, trimming 139
closed polylines, creating 141
conversion options 122
crossing objects, breaking 126
dangling objects, erasing 128
duplicates, deleting 124
edge matching 134
for topology 149
linear objects, simplifying 129
markers 122
nodes, correcting 131
nodes, snapping clusters 131
order of 124
257
overdigitized maps 121

overshoots 121
profiles, using 132
pseudo nodes, dissolving 132
rubber sheeting 136
selecting objects 122
short objects, erasing 126
undershoots 121
undershoots, extending 127
clipping raster images 92
codes, global coordinate systems 78, 79
COGO. See coordinate geometry
coloring
bitonal raster images 91
raster images 91
columns
formatting 180
freezing and unfreezing 180
header 179
hiding 180
key columns 184
redisplaying 180
resizing 180
selecting 179
sorting by 180
conditions
combining 197
Data View filter 181
editing 202
grouping 198
location 193
object data 195
precedence 198
property 194, 195
SQL 196
configuring
data sources 176
conformal projections 74
connecting databases 175, 177
continuous thematic maps 229
contour lines 244
coordinate correlation of raster images 84, 86
coordinate geometry 105
creating objects using 106
measuring 109
prompting for elevation 106
coordinate systems 76
coordsys.csd file 79
latitude/longitude 98
state plane coordinates 79
tracking 82
updating 80
See also global coordinate systems
coordinate transformation 76
options 36
258 | Index
correlation coordinates 84, 86

modifying during insertion 86
Create Closed Polylines command 141, 239
CSUPDATE utility 80
custom properties for feature classes 68
customizing
Data View 180
D
dangles 121, 128
dangling nodes 146
data
editing feature data 71
exporting 115
importing 112
object data queries 195
selecting objects using 72
SQL queries 195
storing externally 37, 100
storing internally 37, 100
verifying accuracy 103
data sources
attaching 175
configuring 176
connecting 177
defining 172
disconnecting 177
links to 175
See also databases
Data View 177, 179
column header 179
customizing display 180
displaying hidden columns 180
editing tables 181
exporting data 181
formatting columns 180
linking records to objects manually 186
modifying the display 179
opening 177
printing tables 181
record header 179
sorting records 180
spatial filter 181
SQL filter 181
viewing tables 177
window 39
Data View columns
displaying 180
freezing 180
header 179
hiding 180
key columns 184
selecting 179
unfreezing 180
Data View records

copying to Windows clipboard 181
filtering by linked objects 181
filtering by SQL data 181
header 179
linking to objects 182, 185
navigating highlighted records 187
printing 181
selecting 179
sorting 180
viewing for selected objects 187
viewing linked records 187
database administrator 54
database queries 177, 178
opening 178
viewing 178
viewing properties 174
databases
attaching 175
compared to object data 37
configuring 176
connecting 175, 177
copying records to Windows Clipboard 181
data sources. See also databases
database tables
defining link templates 184
disconnecting 177
drivers supported 175
DSN (data source name) 175, 176
filtering 181
highlighting linked objects 187
highlighting records 187
key columns 184
linking. See databases, links to objects
querying 196
records. See records
UDL (data link) files 175, 176
viewing 177
viewing in Data View 177
viewing linked objects 187
databases, links to objects 182, 184
creating automatically 186
creating from object data 188
creating manually 186
creating while digitizing 186
managing 183
datums 80
defining 81
deleting 81
ellipsoids 81
modifying 81
defaults for feature classes 68
deflection
deleting
topologies 156
detaching
raster images 87
digital signature
adding to projects 41
Digitize Setup dialog box 186
Digitizing 95
digitizing
creating database links 186
defining 96
double-digitized lines 121
errors 120
linetypes 99
maps 96
networks 101
nodes 100
overdigitizing maps 121
planning 97
polygons 102
projective 98
rubber sheeting 134, 136
tablet 96
using layers 98
verifying data 103
disconnecting databases 177
discrete thematic maps 229
display order 88
dissolving
pseudo nodes 131
topologies 219
distances
adding 109
distortion, in maps 74
documents
attaching to objects 31
viewing 31
double-digitized lines 121
Draw mode queries 203
draw order. See display order
drawing cleanup
types of errors 120
drawing sets 6, 34
drawings
adding passwords 41
attaching digital signatures 41
cleanup 119
editing 44
extents 24
global coordinate systems 78
indexing 35, 200
querying 192
querying with SQL 196
retrieving objects 192
save back extents 24
save back options 46
saving queried objects 46
Index
259
sharing 47, 48
transforming coordinates 76
viewing 27
viewing locks 49
zooming to extents 29
drive aliases
default 19
DSN (data source name) 175, 176
DWG project drawing 6
.dwk file 47
DXF file format 51
E
edge matching 134
editing
shared drawings 48
tables 181
tools, Autodesk Map 133
editing feature data 71
elevation
displaying 109
prompting for in coordinate geometry 106
ellipsoids 80
defining 81
deleting 81
modifying 81
emergency services example 222
encryption
using passwords 41
enlargements, in insets 139
environments
attaching 175
erasing raster images 88
exporting
Autodesk Mapguide files 117
data 115
file formats 115
object data 188
raster images 117
SDF files 117
SIF files 117
to previous versions 50
extents of drawings 24
zooming to 29
extents, save back 24
external databases. See databases
F
False Origin Easting option 80
False Origin Northing option 80
feature classification 63
base classes 66
classifying objects 69
creating features 70
260 | Index
custom properties 68
defaults 68
defining features 67
editing data 71
hierarchies 66
modifying 69
ranges 68
selecting objects 71
setting up 65
using to create standard objects 64
feature definition file
attaching 70
creating 66
features. See feature classification
fields
adding 167, 168
attaching 167
deleting 167
modifying 167
file formats
.lin 244
.dwk 47
DXF 51
MWF 117
raster 85
SDF 114, 117
SIF 117
file locking 47
releasing 49
filtering records (Data View) 181
floating viewports, plotting 237
flood trace
topology 213
travel time 222
formatting
modifying for Data View tables 180
freezing columns 180
G
generalizing lines 129
Generate Links command 239
geodetic distance
measuring 82
georeferencing 84, 86
global coordinate systems
assigning to drawings 78
choosing 77
codes 78, 79
datums 81
defining 79, 80
ellipsoids 81
geodetic 77
modifying 80
non-geodetic 77
projection parameters 81
projections 74
state plane 79
transformation options 36
viewing a drawings code 79
See also coordinate systems
grade
displaying 109
grid
cells 179
header 179
H
hatch patterns
adding 142
associative 142
hidden columns, redisplaying 180
hiding
columns 180
raster images 87
hierarchies of feature classes 66
horizontal distance, displaying 109
I
Image Manager dialog box
naming images 89
Image Select dialog box 89
IMAGECLIP 92
images. See raster images
importing
Autodesk Mapguide 114
data 112
DXF files 51
file formats 112
indexes 35, 200
removing 202
types of 200
inserting, raster images 86
insertion points, modifying for raster images 90
insets, in maps 139
Introducing 1
islands, topology 147
J
Jet provider for Microsoft Access 175
joining operators 197
precedence 198
joins. See database queries
K
key columns 184
Key View 30, 40
L
label points 136
Lambert Conformal Conic projection 75
latitude/longitude coordinates 98
layers
displaying 30
filtering from view 30
for raster images 91
main view 243
organizing 98
reference view 243
layouts 236
left-right relationships, topology 148
.lin file 244
linear objects 120
simplifying 129
lines
creating using coordinate geometry 106
measuring coordinate geometry 109
linetypes
as contour lines 244
digitizing 99
link indexes 35, 183
link templates 38, 184
defining 184
querying 195
link-node relationships, topology 146
link-polygon relationships, topology 147
links to databases 173, 182, 184, 185
creating from object data 188
creating manually 186
creating while digitizing 186
managing 183
querying 196
links, in topology 144, 151
loading raster images 87
location conditions 193
editing 202
locations
specifying with coordinate geometry 106
locking, file 47
locking, object 10, 45, 47
locks
viewing 49
Index
261
M
main view
layers 241, 243
scale 241
map books 239
map projections 74, 80
mapping, plot map sets 237
maps
annotation 245
atlases 239
boundaries, breaking objects 138
boundaries, trimming 139
cleanup 102, 119, 120, 149
contour lines 244
creating 95, 111
dangles 121
dangling objects, erasing 128
digitizing 95, 96
distortion 75
edge matching 134
effectiveness 245
errors 120, 149
exporting 111
importing 111
insets 139
layers 98
linear objects, simplifying 129
linking to databases 186
nodes, correcting 131
nodes, snapping clusters 131
overdigitizing 121
overshoots 121
plotting 236, 240
projections 74, 75, 80
pseudo nodes, dissolving 132
rubber sheeting 136
scale 75
sheet boundaries 239
stacking 35
suitability 97
thematic 40, 226
tiling 35, 99, 102, 239
transformation 135
undershoots 121
matching edges 134
measuring geodetic distance 82
Mercator projection 74, 75
meridian, central 81
model space, queries 192
Modify Global Coordinate System dialog box 80
moving objects 135
262 | Index
moving raster images 90

multiple projects, working with 33
MWF files 117
N
naming raster images 89
network flood trace 213
travel time 222
network topology 144, 152, 211
checking integrity 213
creating 151
digitizing 101
direction 146
dissolving 219
emergency services example 222
examples 221
flood trace 213
overlay analysis 214
saving settings in profiles 220
shortest path trace 211
travel time 222
network trace 211
networks and polygons 214
node topology
digitizing 100
nodes 120, 144
clusters 131
correcting 131
creating topology 151
dangling 146
dissolving 132
pseudo 146
snapping clusters 131
tolerances for cleanup 131
topology 146
with polygons 214
O
object data
attaching 167
break command 167
compared with external databases 37
converting to database links 188
defining 166
detaching 168
editing 167, 168
querying 195
ranges 169
tables 166
topology 148
trim command 167
object data conditions 195
editing 202
object locking 10, 45, 47

set by superuser 48
See also objects, locking
objects
adding hatch patterns 142
altering properties 205
associating documents 31
attaching multiple records 168
attaching object data 167
centroid 136
classified 71
classifying 68, 69, 70
creating using coordinate geometry 106
detaching data 168
editing 44, 133
editing object data 168
filtering records by 181
highlighting by linked data 187
linear 120
linking to external databases 182, 185, 186
locking 10, 45
moving 135
querying 192, 196
removing data 168
retrieving 203
rotating 135
save back options 46
saving to source drawings 46
scaling 135
selecting with feature classification 71
standard 69
text insertion point 136
transforming 135
unclassified 71
undefined 71
viewing linked data 187
viewing locks 49
ODBC driver 175
options 40
acadmap.ini file 40
acadmap.sys file 40
coordinate transformation 36
save back 46
Oracle Spatial
tips and suggestions 62
overlay
analysis 215, 216
saving settings in profiles 220
overshoots 121
P
page setups, applying to layouts 236
paper space, queries 192
passwords
adding to projects 41
path trace, topology
travel time 222
paths
raster images 89
performance improvements
creating indexes 200
speeding up raster image display 87
Plotting 235
plotting
boundaries 241, 243
boundary buffer 242
floating viewports 237
main view layers 241, 243
main view scale 241
maps 10, 240
plot map sets 237
plot template blocks 237, 240, 243
queries 239
reference view (viewport) 238
reference view layers 242, 243
reference view scale 242
techniques 244
title blocks 238, 241
True option 243
viewports 243
points
specifying with coordinate geometry 106
polygon topology 145, 147
creating 153
digitizing 102
dissolving 219
examples 222
incomplete polygons 121
incomplete polylines 121
overlay analysis 214, 215
with polygons 215
polygons
filling 142
polylines
creating closed 141
incomplete 121
Preview mode queries 203
previewing drawings 27
printing database tables 181
printing drawings. See plotting
profiles 117
for cleaning up maps 132
for topology 220
Project Workspace 5
Data Sources node 174
projection parameters 81
Index
263
projections 74, 75, 80

choosing 75
conformal 74
Mercator 74
reducing distortion 74
projective digitizing 98
projects 6, 34
adding digital signatures 41
adding passwords 41
attaching databases 175
DWG file format 6
global coordinate systems 78
multiple 33
saving 33
sharing 33
switching between 33
properties
for feature classes 68
modifying for raster images 90
using in feature classification 67
property alteration 205
in map queries 169
thematic maps 232
property conditions 194, 195
editing 202
protecting drawings with passwords 41
pseudo nodes 131, 146
dissolving 132
Q
quadrant
queries
altering properties 205
categories 206
combining conditions 197
defined 8
editing 202, 233
executing 202
external 35
grouping conditions 198
internal 35, 207
library 206
loading 207
location conditions 193
model space 192
modes 202
nested group conditions 199
object data conditions 195
paper space 192
plot 239
precedence of conditions 198
property conditions 194, 195
reloading 207
reports 204
saving 35, 206
264 | Index
SQL conditions 196

thematic maps 232
topology 218
types 192
writing results to a file 204
queries, database. See database queries
Query Library 206
Query Properties dialog box 174
Quick Views 27
R
ranges
in feature classification 68
of object data 169
Raster Extension 84, 85, 86, 89
raster image frames
bitonal images 91
modifying 90
properties 90
when clipping images 92
raster images
bitonal 91
brightness 90
clipping 92
coloring 91
contrast 90
coordinate correlation 84
correlation coordinates 84, 86
detaching 87
display order 88
displaying 92
erasing 88
fade 90
file formats 85
georeferencing 84, 86
hiding 87
inserting 86
layers 91
loading 87
modifying 90
modifying frames 90
modifying properties 91
moving 90
naming 89
path files 89
performance improvements 87
redrawing speed 87
rotating 91
scaling 91
search paths 89
selecting 89
transparency 91
unloading 87
viewing image information 88
records 164, 168

adding 168
copying to Windows Clipboard 181
filtering by SQL data 181
flitering by linked objects 181
header 179
highlighting 187
printing 181
removing 168
selecting 179
sorting 180
viewing for selected objects 187
reference view
layers 242, 243
scale 242
reference viewports, plotting 238
renaming topologies 156
Report mode queries 204
result topology 218
river drainage network example 221
rotating
objects 135
raster images 91
rows. See records
rubber sheeting 136
shapes
display in Quick View 27
Sharing 43
sharing drawings 47
sheet boundaries, maps 239
Show Who Has It command 49
SIF files 117
simplifying linear objects 129
slope
displaying 109
snapping clustered nodes 131
sorting records in Data View 180
spatial analysis 210
spatial filter 181
SQL Filter command (Data View) 181
SQL query conditions
combining 196
creating 196
syntax standards 196
typing 197
stacking, maps 35
standard objects. See feature classification
street network example 221
survey data, entering using coordinate geometry
106
symbol tables 40
save back extents 24

resetting 24
setting 24
viewing 24
save back to source drawings 44
save sets 9, 44
adding to 45
saving 46
Saving 163
saving changes 46
scaling
maps 75
objects 135
raster images 91
SDF files 117
Autodesk MapGuide 114, 117
importing 114
search paths for raster images 89
security
using digital signatures 41
using passwords 41
Select statements, typing 197
selecting features 71
sewer network example 221
Table Properties dialog box 174

tables 164
tables (external database) 177
customizing display 180
defining link templates 184
Edit mode 177
editing in Data View 181
filtering records 181
printing 181
sorting records 180
View mode 177
viewing properties 174
tables (object data)
adding fields 167, 168
adding records 168
attaching 167
deleting 166
editing 168
modifying fields 167
renaming 166
templates 204
Index
265
polygon examples 222

polygon, creating 153
primitives 145
profiles 220
queries 218
recreating 161
renaming 156
result 218
saving 150
saving settings 220
storing data 150
travel time example 222
undo 157
text
adding to queries objects 232, 233
as object data 239
defining insertion point 136, 233
generating links 239
Thematic Mapping command
supported options 228
thematic maps 40, 226
advanced 232
continuous 229
creating 227
discrete 229
examples 230
expressions 229
property alteration 232
queries 232
query options 228
tiling, maps 35, 99, 102, 135, 239
title blocks, plotting 238, 241
tolerances
for cleanup errors 120
node cleanup 131
simplifying linear objects 129
topology 144
administration 156
auditing 161
buffer analysis 216
buffer examples 217
centroids 147, 154
completing 160
creating 149
defined 4
deleting 156
dissolving 219
editing 156
editing examples 157
errors 149
examples 221
flood trace 213
islands 147
left-right relationships 148
link-node relationships 146
link-polygon relationships 147
links 144, 146, 147
links, intersecting 151
model 145
network 101, 144, 152
network examples 221
network flood 213
network trace 211
network, creating 151
node, creating 151
nodes 100, 144, 146
object data 148
polygon 102, 145, 147
266 | Index
trace
network flood 213
shortest path 211
tracking coordinates 82
transformation
for coordinates 36, 76
for objects 135
maps 135
transparency
bitonal raster images 91
raster images 91
setting color 91
transparent commands 106
Transverse Mercator projection 75, 79, 81
travel time using network topology 222
trimming objects at boundaries 139, 243
True option, plotting 243
U
UDL (data link) files 175, 176
creating 176
editing 176
unclassified objects 71
undefined objects 71
unfreezing columns 180
Universal Transverse Mercator projection 78
unloading raster images 87
updating coordinate systems 80
user-defined extents 24
Using 73, 83, 119
V
values for feature classes 68
viewing drawings 27
viewports 237, 238
floating 237
plotting 237, 243
reference 238
secondary 238
views. See database queries
W
water-distribution network example 221
weeding 129
Who Has It command. See Show Who Has It
command
work sessions. See projects
Working 53
Z
zoom
controlling layers viewed 30
to extents of source drawings 29
Index
267
268

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Autodesk Map

Copyright 2003 Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk Canada Inc. Trademarks

Third Party Trademarks

Third-Party Copyright Notices

Introducing Autodesk Map

Installing the Product . . . . . . .

Working with Projects.

Starting Autodesk Map . . . . . . . .

Displaying a Full Screen . . . . . . . .

Sharing and Saving Drawings

Working with an Oracle Database .

Information for the Database Administrator .

Understanding Save Sets . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setting Up the Flexible Schema . . . .

Overview of Feature Classification . . . . . . . .

Using Coordinate Systems

Understanding Map Projections . . . . . . .

Using Feature Classification .

Understanding Raster Images

Supported Image Formats . . . . . . . . . .

Creating and Adding Data .

Bringing Data into Autodesk Map . . . .

Using Coordinate Geometry .

Overview of Coordinate Geometry . . . .

Using Angle and Distance. .

Using the Drawing Cleanup and Editing Tools .

Understanding Drawing Cleanup . . . . . .

Importing and Exporting Maps .

Using Data from Other Sources . . . . .

Creating Closed Polylines from a Topology

Creating Map Topology

Understanding Topology Functions

Saving Attribute Data in the Drawing .

Saving Attribute Data in External Databases .

Understanding Object Data . . . . . . .

Filtering Records in the Data View . . . . . .

Using Queries to Analyze Data .

Understanding Spatial and Geographic Analysis

Analyzing Map Topology

Analysis of Topology Overlays. . . . .

Displaying and Presenting Maps .

Thematic Map Design .

Plotting with Autodesk Map . . . . . . .

Understanding Thematic Maps . . . . . .

Introducing Autodesk Map

Using Autodesk Map, you can create, maintain, ana-

lyze, and effectively communicate mapping informa-

Install the product

tion contained in multiple Autodesk Map drawings and

Before you begin

related external databases.

that contains all the functionality of AutoCAD, as well

Autodesk Map basics

as its own powerful mapping tools designed for map-

ping and geographic information systems (GIS) professionals.

Installing the Product

Before You Begin

Working with Previous Versions

Introducing Autodesk Map

Layer State Converter

After going to the Autodesk website, http://www.autodesk.com, perform a

Working with Attached Databases