The CEDRA Corporation^TM
Bridging Engineering with GISTM
_______________________________

Command of the Month Bulletin

To better serve its client base, The CEDRA Corporation, starting in January 2005, will be issuing on a monthly basis a publication titled the Command of The Month Bulletin. The Command of the Month Bulletin is e-mailed to our users and posted on our home page in the form of a .pdf file. Links to the various issues and a brief description of each issue, published to date, are available below. The objective of this publication is many-fold and includes the following:

• Inform users of new features introduced to the CEDRA-AVseries suite of software,
• Describe in detail certain commands which are felt of being of special interest to the general user community,
• Educate our users as to the full capabilities of our software,
• Present solutions to problems and special application conditions encountered by users, and/or
• Provide for a means of receiving from our users, requests for new additions, modifications and improvements to our software.

The CEDRA Corporation is continually improving and expanding its CEDRA-AVseries software. Over the past two years we have converted all of our software from the ArcView® GIS environment to first the ArcGIS® 8.x platform, and then recently to the ArcGIS 9.x environment. In keeping up with the latest releases of ESRI software, The CEDRA Corporation makes a concerted effort in maintaining and upgrading earlier versions of their software. So that enhancements made to the ArcGIS 9.x environment are implemented in the ArcView GIS 3.x and ArcGIS 8.x environments, whenever technically possible.

Aside from changes that may be required due to ESRI modifications to their ArcView GIS and ArcGIS software, additions and modifications to CEDRA software are made as a result of: (a) technology advances, (b) experiences in using the software in our own projects, and (c) requests that are submitted from our users. CEDRA users are encouraged to let us know of the need for special commands and tools which they would like to have incorporated so as to facilitate their work. Many of the featured commands described in the Command Of The Month Bulletin are a result of user requests.

In addition, from time to time we receive calls from users inquiring how our software can be used to address special application problem conditions that have been encountered in a project. The solution we provide, if it is felt of being of general user base interest, will be published in a Command of the Month bulletin.

Presented below are the Command of the Month bulletins which have been published:

2012

• January 2012 issue discusses the [Format Stations] command within the CEDRA-AVland software which enables the user to create custom formatted station text strings from a raw station value. The user is able to control a number of formatting parameters including: (a) the prefix to be included, if any, (b) the suffix to be included, if any, (c) the number of digits to the right of the decimal point and (d) the station multiplier. As an example, the raw station value of 2250 could be converted into a text string such as STA. = 22+50.

2011

• January 2011 issue discusses the [Project Points on Lines] command which enables the user to project one or more selected point features upon one or more line features, which may reside in one or more layers. In addition, and optionally, the user is able to transfer to the points features being projected an attribute value from another point feature. This new command has been recently added to the {CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• February 2011 issue discusses the [Union and Buffer] command which enables the user to union features, as well as create a buffer polygon or polyline feature. This command will process point, polyline and polygon features and operates in a simple and advanced mode of operation. This command can be found in the {CEDRA-Polygon-Tools} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• March 2011 issue discusses the |Change Selected Feature(s)| tool which enables the user to change the shape of a group of selected features in one of two modes. The first mode uses a common attribute value to make a match, while the second mode employs a spatial approach based upon centroid and geometry. This command will process point, polyline and polygon features. This command can be found in the {CEDRA-Polygon-Tools-2} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• April 2011 issue discusses the modifications made to the CEDRA |BufferP| and |BufferF| tools which can be incorporated into an ArcGIS Server Web Application. These tools enable the user to create a buffer about a point [BufferP] or a selected feature [BufferF] employing a user-defined buffer distance value. Once the buffer is created, these commands will select features from the current active layer that intersect the buffer. The user is then able to download an ASCII based text file that contains the attributes of the selected features in a comma delineated format. This text file can then be imported into a program such as Word for the purpose of creating mailing labels or for any other purpose. For those interested in the files comprising the tools please visit the site: http://cedra.com/comapr2011/. To download a file, right-click on the filename and select the Save Target As... menu item. Navigate to a location on your hard drive, then select the Save button to start the download. Note that the files are offered on an "As Is" basis with no support or warranty of use.
• May 2011 issue discusses the [Split Polygons] command which enables the user to split polygons in a layer using polyline or polygon features in another layer as the splitting feature. This new command is a result of a user request where the application involved determining the amount of certain land uses in specific water sheds. In this particular case there was a polygon layer containing the various land use designations and another polygon layer denoting the various water sheds. This command can be found in the {CEDRA-Polygon-Tools} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• June 2011 issue discusses the new keyword command that has been incorporated into the CEDRA-DataEditor software for evaluating a transfer equation which uses attribute data from a feature in another layer that is closest to the selected feature. The TRANSFER command enables the user to specify: (a) the name of the layer to be searched, (b) a spatial tolerance value in distance units and (c) the transfer equation whose result will be the value displayed in the dialog box that is displayed. The TRANSFER command should appear below the attribute label data line in the Theme Attribute Data File. As an example of the application of this new command, it is desired to transfer from a polygon feature, which has as an attribute the name of a state, to a point feature, which resides within the polygon feature, the name of the state value. Using the TRANSFER command, the user is able to accomplish this. So that, when the user selects the point feature, the TRANSFER command searches the polygon layer for the polygon feature containing the point. If found, the name of the state is transferred to the point feature. Reference is made to the February 2005, June 2010 and December 2010 issues of Command of the Month for more information on the CEDRA-DataEditor software.
• July 2011 issue discusses the |Intersect Features| tool, which is the left-most tool in the {CEDRA-Intersection-Tools} toolbar for ArcGIS users. This is quite a handy tool for those users who need to intersect: (a) two lines (existing or implied), (b) two polygons or (c) a line (existing or implied) and a polygon. The tool remains active after the interesection is computed and displayed thereby enabling the user to perform multiple intersections with the base feature, which is selected after the tool has been activated.
• August 2011 issue discusses the recent enhancement made to the [Create DXF File] command that provides the ability to export symbology for point features, as well as the ability to export north arrow symbology. This issue also discusses in detail the operation and use of the CEDRA-DxfExport software for the application of creating DXF files. Those involved in creating DXF files will find this issue most interesting and informative.
• September 2011 issue discusses how tangent and non-tangent circular arcs can be defined using the Parcel and Traverse Course Entry Dialog Box, which is displayed by the |Define Parcel| tool when using the Transcribe Deed with Table option. The |Define Parcel| tool is the leftmost tool within the {CEDRA-AVparcel-Tools} and {CEDRA-Deed-Tools} toolbars. This is an ideal tool for converting legal descriptions into polygons or points, lines and curves, if desired. This issue expands upon the June 2005 issue of Command of the Month.
• October 2011 issue discusses how the length of a segment or portion of a polyline feature can be displayed. Using the Echo 2 or |Echo Feature| tool within the {CEDRA-Echo-Tools} toolbar, the user is able to select a polyline or polygon feature followed by making two picks denoting the portion of the polyline or polygon feature to be processed. After the picks have been defined, the tool projects the picks onto the selected feature and displays the: (a) plus and offset values associated with each of the picks, (b) the distance between the picks (segment length), (c) the distance from the second pick to the end point of the selected feature and (d) the total length of the selected feature.
• November 2011 issue discusses the |Edit Feature Tables| tool within the CEDRA-DataEditor software which enables the user to edit attributes in tables that are associated with layers using a spreadsheet like dialog box. For example, a feature in a layer is selected. The layer in which the feature resides in is associated with multiple tables. Using the |Edit Feature Tables| tool, the user is able to specify the desired table to be processed after which, those records in the table, which share a unique identifier value with the selected feature, will be displayed in the spreadsheet like dialog box.
• December 2011 issue discusses the [Format Bearings] command within the CEDRA-AVland software which enables the user to create custom formatted bearing text strings from an existing bearing text string or the geometry of line features. The user is able to control a number of formatting parameters including: (a) the position or location of the quadrant identifier, (b) the character to be used to separate the quadrant identifier from the bearing components, (c) the character to be used to separate the bearing components, (d) whether or not the bearing component symbols (degrees, minutes, seconds) are to be included, (e) whether or not leading zeros are to be included and (f) the number of digits to the right of the decimal point in the seconds component value.

2010

• January 2010 issue discusses the [Points from Annotation] and [Point from Annotation] commands which enable the user to create point features at the centroid of one or more selected features and transfer as an attribute to the point a text string that is derived by concatenating the text which is associated with annotation features which are in close proximity to the selected feature(s). For example, if there are two annotation features whose text are ROOM and A-202, respectively, these new commands would create a point feature and store as an attribute value the text string ROOM A-202. Note that the user can control the delineating string between the text, for example, rather than ROOM A-202, the attribute value could be ROOM - A-202, if desired. These new commands have been added to the {CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• February 2010 issue discusses the |PARL 2LN| tool which enables the user to create a polyline feature that is offset from two existing line features, which may be two-point and/or polyline features. Ideal for creating river centerlines or any other offset line from two nonparallel lines, this new tool with its interactive mode of operation allows the user to try a number of different scenarios quickly and easily.
• March 2010 issue discusses the [Duplicate Features] command which is found in the {CEDRA-Polygon-Tools} toolbar. This tool provides functionality for determining duplicate features in a single layer or by comparing two layers of the same feature type. Once the duplicate features have been found, the user has the option of highlighting the features, deleting the duplicates or transferring attribute values.
• April 2010 issue discusses the [Plot Profile from Points] command which is found in the {CEDRA-AVland-CrossSections} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVland software. This tool provides functionality for creating a fully annotated profile from a series of plan points with the added functionality of superimposing the plan points upon the profile with or without a selected set of attributes from the plan points. Those who are involved in gas, oil or other types of pipelines will find this article of particular interest.
• May 2010 issue discusses the available commands for extracting or stripping cross-sections and profiles within the CEDRA-AVland software. The commands which extract cross-sections and profiles from contours, polygons (triangular as well as quadrilateral), and ArcGIS TIN Datasets are discussed.
• June 2010 issue discusses the new keyword commands that have been incorporated into the CEDRA-DataEditor software for multi-column dialog boxes. The addition of these new keyword commands enables the user to create single and multi-column dialog boxes. So that, for those layers that contain a large number of attributes for editing, a multi-column dialog box may be a perferred user-interface for displaying the attributes.
• July 2010 issue discusses the new CEDRA Mini Tool Palette, a smaller, simplified version of the CEDRA Tool Palette. This new dialog box offers the user the ability to create points, lines, curves and polygons by specifying point numbers, as well as, picking points on the screen. Furthermore, the dialog box offers the ability to echo or display geometric information pertaining to lines and curves, such as line length, bearing, arc length, chord length, central angle and so forth. Users involved with surveying applications where point numbers or point identifications are used will really like this new dialog box because of its ease in accepting point numbers and point identification values. Furthermore, users are able to specify attribute information, as well as the layer in which the feature is to be stored in, directly within the Mini Tool Palette. The Mini Tool Palette is available in the {CEDRA-DataFrame-Tools-3} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• August 2010 issue discusses the Echo 4 or |Echo Area| tool within the {CEDRA-Echo-Tools} toolbar which enables the user to compute and display the perimeter and area of an implied polygon. In defining the implied polygon geometry, the user is able to: (a) perform an auto-search on existing features, (b) pick features individually, or (c) pick random points denoting the vertices of the implied polygon. When random points are selected to define the implied polygon, the user is able to use the A, D, I and M keys on the keyboard to: (a) introduce circular arc information (radius, arc length and central angle), (b) delete vertices, (c) introduce vertices and (d) move vertices. Since point snapping is being applied during the implied polygon definition, the perimeter and area values are exact.
• September 2010 issue discusses the |Delete Vertices| tool within the {CEDRA-ArcView3-Tools} toolbar which enables the user to delete vertices from a selected polyline or polygon feature by defining an implied rectangle that encloses the vertices to be deleted. Once the first set of vertices has been deleted, the feature remains selected thereby enabling the user to delete another set of vertices, if so desired.
• October 2010 issue discusses the |Create EPS Graph| button within the {CEDRA-AVwater-Tools-2} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVwater software, which enables the user to create EPS graphs for selected node and pipe features. Using ArcMap graphing functionality, the user is able to quickly generate an EPS graph for a variety of computational results. When multiple features are selected, the computational result for each selected node/pipe is superimposed upon the graph. In so doing, the user can visually examine the differences in the results for desired features.
• November 2010 issue discusses the CEDRA |Add Feature|, |Delete Feature|, |Move Feature|, |Properties|, |Select Feature| and |Add to Selected| tools which can be incorporated into an ArcGIS Server Web Application. These tools provide the user the ability to: (a) create point, line and polygons features, (b) delete one or more selected features, (c) translate, rotate and scale one or more selected features, (d) define session editing properties, (e) select one or more features from the current active layer and (f) add to a layer's selection set, respectively. Included with the |Properties| tool is the ability to turn on or off point snapping, as well as the ability for the user to specify the type of line (two-point or polyline) or polygon (oval, circle, rectangle, multi-point) feature to be created. Those interested in basic ArcGIS Server editing functionality will find this issue most interesting. For those interested in the a.txt through k.txt files please visit the site: http://cedra.com/comnov2010/. To download a file, right-click on the filename and select the Save Target As... menu item. Navigate to a location on your hard drive, then select the Save button to start the download. Note that the files are offered on an "As Is" basis with no support or warranty of use.
• December 2010 issue discusses the |Break and Add Line| and |Break and Add Point| tools within the CEDRA-DataEditor software. These tools enable the user to break a line or curve and add either a line or point feature at the break point. Furthermore, the user is able to control, via the Rule Definition File, how attribute data is transferred between the feature that is being broken and the new feature that is created.

2009

• January 2009 issue discusses the free CEDRA utility program, SendMail, which provides the ability to send a single e-mail (with or without attachments) to an unlimited number of e-mail addresses. The advantage of using this utility program to send e-mails is that in the To: component of the e-mail, only one recipient name will appear. This eliminates an e-mail, which is sent to a number of e-mail addresses, having all of the various e-mail addresses appearing in the To: component of the e-mail. The SendMail program operates on the basis that an ASCII file, containing a list of the e-mail addresses to be processed, exists on disk. Using this file, the program enables the user to send plain text or HTML formatted e-mail messages with or without attachments. To download the free utility program click on this link: http://cedra.com/send_email, right-click on the SendMail.exe file and select the Save Target As... menu item. Navigate to a location on your hard drive, then select the Save button to start the download. Note that the program is offered on an "As Is" basis with no support or warranty of use. Note that the VB 6.0 code which does the work in sending the e-mail, as well as a sample HTML e-mail message, are available at the above mentioned web address.
• February 2009 issue discusses the two tools within the {CEDRA-Point-Tools} and {CEDRA-Relocation-Tools} toolbars which enable the user to: (a) break a feature into an equal number of segments (based upon a specific number or a segment length), (b) break a feature at a specific location and (c) decompose a multi-part feature. This issue also discusses the Rule Definition File which provides the user the ability to control the attribute values which are assigned to the new features that are created as a result of using these tools. Both of these toolbars are available in the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• March 2009 issue discusses the |Annotate Polyline Length| tool within the {CEDRA-Text-Tools} toolbar which enables the user to create annotation for a polyline or a string within a polygon. When used in conjunction with the [Annotate Distance] and [Annotate Parcel Area] commands, the user has a suite of tools ideal for producing fully annotated tax maps. In addition to discussing the |Annotate Polyline Length| tool, the methodology for creating annotation features, which represent the distances for the sides of a polygon, is presented.
• April 2009 issue discusses the Point 3 or |Angle/Distance| tool within the {CEDRA-Point-Tools} toolbar, which enables the user to create point features by specifying angles and distances. Angles can be specified in terms of Azimuth, Bearing or Cartesian rotations and points can be established in a radial or traversing manner. The radial form of creating points is ideal for processing radial or stakeout survey information. The traversing form of creating points works well when defining open or closed traverses. One of the staple commands, this issue is a must read for those involved in creating site plans, tax maps and the like.
• May 2009 issue discusses the Point 4 or |Plus/Off| tool within the {CEDRA-Point-Tools} toolbar, which enables the user to create point features by specifying plus and offset values which are applied along a selected feature. The selected feature can be a point, polyline or curve. If a point feature is selected, two additional picks are required to define an implied baseline. In addition to specifying plus values, the user is able to enter station values, which is ideal for processing cross-sectional survey data.
• June 2009 issue discusses the Point 5 or |Project Point| tool within the {CEDRA-Point-Tools} toolbar, which enables the user to create point features by perpendicularly or radially projecting a point onto a baseline (implied or not). An implied baseline is defined by a base point feature and two picks denoting the direction to be used from the base point. If an implied baseline is not to be defined, the user can select a two-point line, polyline, curve or polygon feature.
• July 2009 issue discusses the tools within the {CEDRA-Echo-Tools} toolbar, which enable the user to echo or display geometric properties that are associated with features, as well as, random picks in the map area. Using the tools within this toolbar, the user is able to accurately display coordinates, distances, bearings, central angles, radii, deflection angles, areas and perimeters. The tools found in this toolbar offer the ArcView GIS and ArcGIS user an accurate alternate to the native ArcView/ArcMap measure tool.
• August 2009 issue discusses the CEDRA |Identify| tool which can be incorporated into an ArcGIS Server Web Application. The difference between the CEDRA Identify tool and the native ArcGIS Server Identify tool is that the CEDRA Identify tool will display related data associated with a selected feature. In addition to describing the operation of the CEDRA Identify tool, this publication also describes how a Map Service and Web Application can be created using ArcGIS Server Manager. The process of then incorporating the CEDRA Identify tool in a Web Application is then fully described. Using Notepad, a user is able to take the CEDRA Identify tool code and add it to an existing Web Application, which was created with Manager or an IDE such as Microsoft Visual Studio. For those who are involved or interested in developing with ArcGIS Server, this is a must read.
• September 2009 issue discusses the CEDRA |BufferP| and |BufferF| tools which can be incorporated into an ArcGIS Server Web Application. These tools enable the user to create a buffer about a point [BufferP] or a selected feature [BufferF] employing a user-defined buffer distance value. Once the buffer is created, these commands will select features from the current active layer that intersect the buffer. The user is then able to download an ASCII based text file that contains the attributes of the selected features in a comma delineated format. This text file can then be imported into a program such as Word for the purpose of creating mailing labels or for any other purpose.
• October 2009 issue discusses the CEDRA |EditFeat|, |Reload| and |MapTips| tools which can be incorporated into an ArcGIS Server Web Application. These tools simulate the functionality of the CEDRA-DataEditor software which enable the user to display, edit and echo specific attributes associated with a selected feature. If a user desires the ability to display and edit specific attributes of a feature, the |EditFeat| tool provides such functionality. Users who are interested in displaying multi-line Map Tips will truly appreciate the |MapTips| tool.
• November 2009 issue discusses the [Lines Connected to Points] command which enables the user to find the line features that are connected to one or more point features, after which, an attribute value can be assigned to the point feature provided the connecting line features share a common attribute value. The line and point features that are processed can reside in several different layers. This command processes features from the layers that are active or selected at the time the command is invoked. An example of this command's application is the case where a manhole is connected by pipes that are flagged as being abandoned and the user wishes to flag the manhole as being abandoned as well. This command can be found in the {CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• December 2009 issue discusses the Polygon/String COGO File format, a new file format that has been added to the [Import Points] command. This new file format enables a user to define an entire subdivision or plat in a single ASCII based file. The user is able to create point, line, curve and polygon features by utilizing various commands. Since the file is ASCII based, any text editor or word processor can be used to prepare the file. For users who do not have ArcMap installed on a PC, this file format enables the user to define multiple parcels and/or traverses by entering metes and bounds information in a single .txt file. This file can then be processed by the [Import Points] command to create the appropriate features.

2008

• January 2008 issue discusses the process of creating metes and bounds annotation by picking two points using the Dimension 5 tool |Metes/Bounds| within the {CEDRA-Dimension-Tools} toolbar. The two picks define an implied baseline, which can represent either a line or a curve. If a curve is to be processed, the user has the option of either: (a) explicitly entering a radius value, or (b) picking a point on the curve to have the command compute the radius. This issue is a follow-up to the May 2005 issue which discussed the process of creating metes and bounds annotation from one or more selected features (line and/or polygon features).
• February 2008 issue discusses the {CEDRA-Text-Tools} toolbar which enables the user to create new and edit existing annotation features. This issue discusses how existing annotation features can be centered and offset from implied baselines (two user picks), as well as, existing features. This issue also discusses how "straight" text strings can be converted into "curved" text strings which follow the path of a selected polyline feature.
• March 2008 issue discusses the [Update Geometry] command which enables the user to introduce and/or update geometric attributes within a feature layer. The geometric attributes that are updated within a feature layer's attribute table include: coordinates, length, direction and area. In addition to updating geometric attributes the [Update Geometry] command is able to delete features that contain null or empty geometries, as well as, change the graphic representation of a feature by using coordinate values that are stored in the layer's attribute table.
• April 2008 issue discusses the [Points at Line EPts] command which enables the user to find the point feature that is closest to each end point of one or more line features, after which, up to two attributes that are associated with the point feature can be transferred to the line feature. The line and point features that are processed can reside in several different layers. The command processes features from the layers that are active or selected at the time the command is invoked. Users involved with sewer or water modeling will find this command particularly useful in transferring a point's "node number" or OID to a line feature. Additionally, the user is able to create a report file containing a listing of the line features that do not have a point feature "close" to one of the end points of the line. This command can be found in the {CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcad software.
• May 2008 issue discusses the various spiral geometry tools found in the {CEDRA-Spiral-Tools} toolbar. The first four tools of this toolbar enable the user to introduce entering (back) or exiting (forward or ahead) spirals to an alignment defined by two tangent lines, or to a tangent line at a specific point. The remaining tools perform such geometric operations on an existing spiral such as creating offset spirals, projecting points, producing tangent lines, establishing points or radial lines along a spiral, or intersecting a spiral with lines, curves or other spirals. The {CEDRA-Spiral-Tools} toolbar can be found within the CEDRA-AVcogo software.
• June 2008 issue discusses a new tool that has been created to establish a line by intersecting two circular curves with a known bearing and distance. This new tool has been added to the {CEDRA-Line2-Tools} toolbar within the CEDRA-AVcogo software. When transcribing deeds, some course descriptions are not as clear as they should be. This tool was created to handle one of these situations.
• July 2008 issue discusses the [Aliquot Polygons from Table] command which enables the user to process a table containing aliquot descriptions so as to mass create polygon features. Supplementing the [Aliquot Polygon] command which handles aliquot descriptions individually, this new command is ideal for those who have aliquot descriptions in tabular form. In addition to creating polygon features, this command is able to transfer attributes from the table to the newly created polygon feature. In so doing, the user is able to preserve any non-graphic information that the table may contain.
• August 2008 issue discusses the [Mailing Labels File] and [Export Attributes] commands which enable the user to generate an ASCII based text file containing addresses in one of two possible formats and attributes of a layer or table, respectively. In exporting attributes, the user is able to control the number of attributes that are exported and their order in the text file.
• September 2008 issue discusses the new tools which have been added to {CEDRA-Transform-Tools} toolbar. These new tools facilitate the transforming of a group of selected features.Using these tools a user is able to rotate, translate and scale features in a more efficient manner. That is, the number of clicks which are required to perform a transformation has been dramatically reduced.
• October 2008 issue discusses the tools within the {CEDRA-Offset-Tools} toolbar which enable the user to create parallel and offset features from a single feature or a series of features (a string). This issue also discusses how buffers can be created. Strings can be comprised of lines and curves, while buffers can have different offset values for the left and right sides of the feature(s) being processed.
• November 2008 issue discusses the tools found in the {CEDRA-DataFrame-Tools-2} toolbar which provide a streamlined interface for: (a) querying and zooming in on selected features, (b) performing a proximity check or buffer analysis and (c) manipulating "hot-links" or hyperlinks.
• December 2008 issue discusses the |Grid-A-Quadrilateral| tool which is found in the {CEDRA-Polygon-Tools-2} toolbar. This tool provides functionality for subdividing or gridding a quadrilateral. The user is able to subdivide one or more selected polygon and/or polyline features, which form a closed figure, by specifying the desired number of rows and columns. As a result of the computations, the user is able to create point, two-point line, polygon and/or polygon features representing the various cells or grids that are computed. Additionally, the user is able to transfer attributes of the source feature being subdivided to the new polygons that are created.

2007

• January 2007 issue discusses the process of assigning attributes to one or many features. The application and use of the [Edit Feature], [Sequential IDs] and [Assign Attribute] commands are described. These are extremely useful commands when it comes to maintaining attribute data.
• February 2007 issue discusses the |Area Calculation| command which enables a user to create a polygon given three sides (baseline, start side, end side) and a desired polygon area in terms of square feet (sm) or acres (ha) within the {CEDRA-AVparcel-Tools} toolbar.
• March 2007 issue discusses the available tools within the CEDRA-AVland software for performing the geometric layout of a horizontal alignment. Horizontal alignments can be used in the design of street centerlines, pipeline alignments and other types of utilities which are comprised of multiple line, curve and/or spiral features.
• April 2007 issue discusses the [Plot Cross Sections] command within the CEDRA-AVland software for plotting or visualizing Cross-Section Data Tables. Topics covered include the superimposing of multiple cross-section surfaces, generation of earthwork quantities and the assignment of cross-section attributes for customizing the "look" of a cross-section surface.
• May 2007 issue discusses the [Transfer Attribute] command which enables the user to transfer or copy an attribute from one feature to another based upon a spatial relationship such as point in polygon. Similar to a "spatial join", this command does not result in the creation of a new shapefile or featureclass, but rather, the user is able to: (a) modify the features in a specified layer, (b) highlight the features which satisfy the spatial relationshp, or (c) perform a and b above.
• June 2007 issue discusses the |Spline Curve| tool which enables the user to create spline curves and edit existing polyline features. This tool enables the user to create a spline curve through a variable number of keynodes using one of four curve generation methods. The available methods include: Circular Arcs, Natural Spline, Clamped Spline and Lagrangian Interpolation. In addition, the geometry of existing polyline features can be reshaped to match that of a spline curve as defined using this tool.
• July 2007 issue discusses the |I CV/LIN| and |I 2CV| tools which enable a user to intersect a curve with a line and a curve with another curve, respectively. This issue discusses the nuances of performing these types of intersections. Particularly important is how one can perform an intersection when an existing curve feature does not exist and how one controls which intersection is desired.
• August 2007 issue discusses the [Aliquot Polygon] command which enables the user to transcribe an Aliquot parcel/polygon description. This command enables the user to subdivide a quadrilateral by entering various quadrant identifiers such as NE, SE, N2NE, E2W2 and the like. As the identifiers are entered a red polygon graphic element is displayed reflecting the results of the subdivision. The user then has the option of converting the polygon graphic element into a polygon feature.
• September 2007 issue discusses the [Read Lease Nominations] and [Enter Lease Nominations] commands which enable the user to assign a value to one or more features which are described in terms of Aliquot descriptions. The user is able to specify which attribute (field) the value should be stored in, as well as, have the values read from an ASCII based file or entered via a multi-input dialog box.
• October 2007 issue discusses the Traverse File Format. Users who have the need to export polyline and/or polygon features using the Traverse File Format can use the [Export Generate] command to create one or multiple ASCII based files for a group of selected features. The Traverse File Format is a simplistic data structure which describes in surveying terms the courses comprising a feature. The format enables the user to easily verify the bearings, distances, radii, chord lengths, etc. which were used in creating a feature.
• November 2007 issue discusses the |Map Tips| tool within the CEDRA-DataEditor software. The |Map Tips| tool provides the user the ability to display a multi-line map tip. A map tip appears when the user moves the cursor over a specific feature and maintains the position. In so doing, the tool performs a feature search after which a map tip appears containing a list of attribute values. The attribute values which are displayed are user-specified and in addition contain a user-specified label to better identify the value being displayed. This issue is a follow-up to the February 2005 issue which originally discussed the CEDRA-DataEditor software.
• December 2007 issue discusses the [Copy Selected Features] command within the CEDRA-AVcad software. The [Copy Selected Features] command provides the user the ability to copy selected features from one or more layers into another layer. It also provides the ability to copy attribute (field) information, as well as, the ability to specify a field mapping file. The field mapping file can be used to map a field to one or more other fields, as well as, specify an attribute equation which can be evaluated to compute a value for storage. Attribute equations can contain mathematical operators (+, - , /, *, ^), intrinsic functions (SIN, COS, SQRT, ABS, TRIM, etc.) and conditionals (IF statements).

2006

• January 2006 issue discusses the process of developing a TIN and Contours from a set of random points containing x,y,z values, as well as, editing the TIN and regenerating new contours.
• February 2006 issue discusses how to Mirror and Repeat features using the Transformation tool. It also discusses the process of creating FeatureClasses and Datasets within a Personal GeoDatabase (PGD). It should be noted that the ability to mirror and repeat features brings the integration of CAD and GIS one step further.
• March 2006 issue discusses how to import an existing EPANET model into the CEDRA-AVwater software. It should be noted that the ability to import an EPANET model brings the integration of Engineering and GIS one step further.
• April 2006 issue discusses how to create various types of Callouts from within ArcMap. The tools found in the {CEDRA-Callout-Tools} toolbar provide similar functionality to the Callout tools found in the Text tools drop-down list found in the ArcView GIS environment.
• May 2006 issue discusses how to translate, scale and/or rotate features from within ArcMap or ArcView. Using the concept of an Existing Baseline Direction and a New Baseline Direction the Transformation tool can be used to perform a wide variety of transformations on selected features.
• June 2006 issue discusses how to modify the size, font, color, orientation and position of a group of selected annotation features using the Modify Annotation Features. In modifying the position of an annotation feature, the user is able to have the command determine an associate line for the annotation so that when the annotation is repositioned, it can be relocated in a manner which maintains its relationship to the associate line.
• July 2006 issue discusses the process of creating an overall sewer profile and "cutting-out" individual sheets for inclusion on Plan and Profile drawings. Using the CEDRA-AVsand software, this month's issue details the procedure in creating the geometry of a sewer model and the appropriate steps in generating profile sheets individually and in mass.
• August 2006 issue discusses the process of splitting a parcel using the [Parcel Split] command within the CEDRA-AVparcel software. Note that the split line used in the parcel splitting process can be comprised of multiple line and curve features, in addition to being a single polyline feature. Furthermore, it is possible for the split line to intersect the sides of the polygon being split, in addition to the case where the split line extends beyond the edges of the polygon.
• September 2006 issue discusses the process of combining a parcel using the [Parcel Combine] command within the CEDRA-AVparcel software. Note that if the polygon(s) which are to be combined with the base feature fall completely within the base feature, the user is able to create a "hole" or a doughnut shape.
• October 2006 issue discusses the process of annotating and updating data associated with a group of selected point features from one or more layers. Specifically, the bulletin describes how the user can create annotation for a point feature's point number, coordinates, elevation, point code and description. In addition, the bulletin describes the process of how to update in the point feature's attribute table its coordinate in terms of map units, distance units and/or latitudes and longitudes.
• November 2006 issue discusses an alternative to the DXF format, the Generate File Format. Users who have the need to develop customized applications using ArcGIS data can use the [Export Generate] command to create an ASCII based file containing geometric and/or attribute data for a group of selected features. The Generate File Format is a simplistic data structure which users can import for further manipulation and/or display. Reference is made to the October 2007 issue for an updated description of the [Export Generate] command.
• December 2006 issue provides a detailed description of the [Import Points] and [Connect Points] commands. These commands provide the user functionality for importing ASCII based files in a variety of file formats enabling the mass generation of point, line, curve, polygon and annotation features. The commands also provide functionality for generating lines by connecting existing points using one or two attributes which are associated with the points. The connectivities which are created can be based upon a sequential attribute or a sequential attribute in conjunction with a common attribute value, such as a point code. For those involved in post-processing survey data, this issue is a must read.

2005

• January 2005 issue discusses the operation and use of the CEDRA-DxfExport software for the application of creating DXF files.
• February 2005 issue discusses the operation and use of the CEDRA-DataEditor software for the application of entering and maintaining attribute data.
• March 2005 issue discusses the tools which can be used to reshape and maintain polyline and polygon features. Topological operations such as union, combining, intersection, difference, etc. are discussed.
• April 2005 issue discusses how a parcel or traverse can be defined, with or without a tie-line and how an adjustment using the Least Squares, Crandall, Transit or Compass methods can be performed.
• May 2005 issue discusses the operation and use of the various annotation tools present in the CEDRA software. This includes not only the ability to generate annotation for metes and bounds, but also, coordinate annotation (state plane, UTM, latitude and longitudes), as well as, annotation of attribute data.
• June 2005 issue discusses the operation and use of the Parcel and Traverse Course Entry Form in the definition and editing of parcels and/or traverses. This issue documents the deed transcription process within the CEDRA-AVparcel software.
• July 2005 issue discusses how to use the |Perform a Topological Operation| tool and the [Overlapping Polygons] command to identify and correct adjacent polygons which overlap and/or have gaps. A very important issue for those involved in maintaining a topological polygon database.
• August 2005 issue discusses how to print a map from within ArcMap at any user-defined scale, with or without, a drawing sheet border.
• September 2005 issue discusses recent enhancements to the ArcGIS implementation of the software for manipulating annotation features, including curved text.
• October 2005 issue discusses the |Trim Elements to Intersection| and/or |Introduce Fillet| tool, which has recently been added to the {CEDRA-Intersection-Tools} toolbar for ArcGIS users. This is quite a handy tool for those users who need to create linear or circular fillets. Depending upon the mode of operation, the user is able to either trim elements and/or create fillets.
• November 2005 issue discusses the methodology employed by the CEDRA-AVland software to produce multiple plan and profile drawings in an automated fashion.
• December 2005 issue discusses the methodology employed by the CEDRA-AVland software to produce an original ground profile drawing including the generation of elevation annotation which is interpolated along the original ground profile surface.

For more information on CEDRA^TM software and services contact The CEDRA Corporation at 151 Sully's Trail - Suite 6, Pittsford, New York 14534, phone: 585-232-6998, fax: 585-262-2042 or Send E-mail to CEDRA: cedra@cedra.com

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