AVcogo New Features at Version 7

AVcogo New Features at Version 7.9y

1. Addition of the [Spr2DirOff] tool to the CEDRA-Spiral-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This new tool enables the user to create a spiral by specifying a back tangent direction, forward tangent direction, spiral offset, back spiral length, curve radius and forward spiral length. Upon activation, the user makes a pick that denotes the start of the spiral. If the user makes a pick towards the end point a line, the end point of the line will act as the spiral start point and the direction of the line will serve as the default back tangent direction. A multi-input dialog box will then appear in which the user can specifiy the six parameters mentioned above. In addition, another parameter will appear at the bottom of the dialog box in which the user can specify if point features are to be created at the spiral keynode locations (TS, SC, CS and ST). Once the parameters have been specified, the user can select the OK button to begin the creation of the three spiral features (back spiral, circular arc and forward spiral).

2. Addition of the [2CVWBD] tool to the CEDRA-Line2-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This new tool enables the user to create a line that intersects two circular curves given a direction and distance. Upon activation the user selects the first curve to be processed, after which, the second curve should be selected. If the user selects a point feature, the tool treats the point as the center of an implied curve and prompts the user for a radius value. Once both curves have been identified, the tool display a multi-input dialog box from which the user specifies the direction and distance of the line that is to intersect both curves. In addition to this information, the user is able to specify a convergence tolerance value and whether points, lines or point and line features are to be created. Since there is no explicit solution to this geometric problem, the tool performs an interative process searching for a solution that falls within the specified convergence tolerance. Based upon the geometry of the curves and direction and distance values, more than one solution may exist. As such, once a solution is found, the tool displays red point markers at the intersection points and queries the user as to if this is the desired solution. If not, the markers are removed and the iterative process is resumed for the next solution, if any. If no solution can be found, a message stating that the maximum number of trials has been exceeded will be displayed.

AVcogo New Features at Version 7.9x

1. Modification to the Line 11 and 12 tools |PLUS/OF|, for ArcGIS users, to allow the user the ability to create lines which are normal to the baseline, in addition to being inclined. A new data line item has been added to the multi-input dialog box which is posed by the tools. This new data line item contains a choice list that contains the options Inclined and Normal. Selecting the Inclined option forces the tools to operate as previously. Selecting the Normal option results in a line being created which is normal to the baseline. Note that the start point of the normal line will be on the baseline, while the end point will be at the specified plus and offset values.

2. Addition of the Dimension 5 command |SAV MAB| for ArcGIS users. This new tool enables the user to generate a metes and bounds type of dimension based upon two picks made by the user. If a curve is to be annotated, the user can either: (a) explicitly enter the radius of the curve, or (b) make a pick denoting a point on the curve. The user can generate a distance, azimuth, bearing, distance and azimuth or distance and bearing type of annotation. This tool augments the {Annotate} [Distance], [Azimuth], [Bearing], [Distance and Azimuth] and [Distance and Bearing] commands by offering the ability to operate on two picks, rather than selected features.

3. Addition of the Center Text tool to the CEDRA-Text-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. In using this tool, the user: (a) selects the annotation feature(s) to be processed, (b) activates the tool, (c) makes two picks denoting the baseline and (d) specifies the type of centering to be performed. The user can center annotation features using any of the following options: Center within Horizontal Box, Center within Vertical Box, Center about Horizontal Line, Center about Vertical Line or Center about Inclined Line. When centering about a line, the user is able to specify a spacing value, if desired. The spacing value denotes the distance between the selected annotation features. A value of zero denotes leave the annotation feature spaced as is and only center the annotation features about the baseline. When centering annotation features within a box, the spacing value is computed by the command. This tool augments the text alignment options offered by native ArcMap functionality.

4. Modification to the {AVcogo Tools} [Copy Selected Features] command to provide the user the ability to specify a field mapping file. The field mapping file is an ASCII based file that contains three arguments on a data line. The first argument is the name of a field in the layer which contains the features to be copied. The second argument is the name of the field in the layer which will contain the copied features. This field name does not need to be the same as the field name specified in the first argument. The third argument is optional and contains an attribute equation which is to be evaluated and whose value will be stored for the copied feature. The syntax of the attribute equation is the same as used by the CEDRA-DataEditor software.

5. Modification to the CEDRA-DataEditor extension, for ArcGIS users. The user is now able to specify either the name of the attribute (field) or the alias name for an attribute in the Theme Attribute Data File. Previously, the software would only accept the true name of the attribute. Now the user is able to specify either the attribute's true name or its alias name, provided one has been specified.

6. Modification to the CEDRA-DataEditor extension, for ArcGIS users. The user is now able to use the functions: LEN, TRIMR1, TRIMR2, TRIMR3, TRIMR4, TRIMR5, TRIMR6, TRIML1, TRIML2, TRIML3, TRIML4, TRIML5 and TRIML6 when defining an attribute equation. The function LEN will return the number of characters in a string. The TRIMR1 function will remove the last character in a string, TRIMR2 will remove the last two characters, TRIMR3 will remove the last three characters in a string, TRIMR4 removes the last four characters, TRIMR5 the last five characters and TRIMR6 the last six characters. Likewise, TRIML1 will remove the first character in a string, TRIML2 will remove the first two characters, TRIML3 will remove the first three characters in a string, TRIML4, TRIML5 and TRIML6 the first four, five and six characters, respectively.

7. Modification to the CEDRA-DataEditor extension, for ArcGIS users. Those users who wish to display a value that is different from what is stored in the database can use the \\ characters when entering a value under the CHOICES command. For example, review the following:

CHOICES

CAP-BNK\\CAPACITY-BANK

FUS-CUT\\FUSED-CUTOUT

LIN-FUS\\LINE-FUSE

END

The above is an example where the \\ characters are used to separate the actual value, which is stored in the database, from the value that should appear in the choice list. In this example, CAPACITY-BANK, FUSED-CUTOUT and LINE-FUSE would appear in the choice list, while the values, CAP-BNK, FUS-CUT and LIN-FUS, would be stored in the database. As such, the user first specifies the value to be stored in the database, followed by the \\ characters, followed in turn by the value to appear in the choice list. In so doing, a more friendly name can be presented to the user, while a desired coded value is stored in the database. Note, if a blank value is to be stored in the database and the user wishes to display something other than a blank character in the choice list, the user should enter a blank character, followed by the \\ characters and then the string to appear in the choice list.

8. Modification to the Echo 1 tool to the CEDRA-Echo-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This tool will now display the elevations and slope that are associated with the two picks. Previously, only the coordinates, direction and length were displayed. Now the same information is displayed, but in addition, the user can display the elevation and slope values.

9. Modification to the Perform a Topological Operation tool within the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools2 toolbar for ArcGIS users. This command will now process polyline features, in addition to polygon features. Previously, only polygon features were processed by this command. When processing polyline features, the user is able to use the Combine, Difference, Intersection and Union operators. The Shared Edge and Shared Edge with Base Feature options are not available for polylines.

10. Addition of the Points at Line EPts command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Points at Line EPts command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. This command enables the user to find the point feature closest to each end point of a line feature and transfer to the line feature two point attributes (such as node number and node type). In using this command, the user must select or activate the point and line layers prior to activating the command. Only visible and selected point and line layers are processed. The command processes selected line features, if no features are selected in the active line layer then all line features in the layer will be processed. A multi-input dialog box is presented from which the user specifies the two attributes in the point layer that are to be transferred to the line layer. The labels for these two attributes are Point ID and Point Type. A drop-down list appears containing all of the point attributes in the active point layer. The user simply selects the one attribute that should be used for the Point ID and Point Type. If no attribute is to be used for the Point Type parameter, the user should select the <none> option. Note that the Point ID attribute must be specified, the Point Type attribute is optional. In addition to the two point attributes, the user will specify four line attributes, two for the start point of the line and two for the end point of the line. These attributes will contain the Point ID and Point Type values of the point that is closest to the start and end points of the line. In addition to the six attributes specified above, the user can enter a proximity tolerance value and a report filename. The proximity tolerance value is used to determine which point is closest to the start or end point of the line, while the report filename will contain the results of the processing. Within the report, any line features which did not have a node feature close to an end point will be identified by their object ID (FID, OID, OBJECTID) value.

11. Modification to the CEDRA-DataEditor extension, for ArcGIS users. The Map Tips tool has been changed to deactivate itself when the user depresses the left mouse button. Previously, the tool could only be deactivated by activating another tool. Now, when the user clicks the left mouse button the tool deactivates and the default ArcMap tool becomes active. In so doing, the user can now display map tips as desired and when finished, simply click the left mouse button to terminate the displaying of map tips.

AVcogo New Features at Version 7.9w

1. Addition of the CEDRA-Spiral-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This toolbar contains seven tools for creating and manipulating spiral curves. The tools enable the user to: (a) create an alignment with a curve and spirals by picking two lines and entering the back spiral length, circular curve radius and forward spiral length, (b) create a spiral tangent to a line and a curve, (c) create a spiral offset to another spiral, (d) project a point upon a spiral, (e) create a line tangent to a spiral, (f) create a point or radial line along a spiral with a plus and offset and (g) intersect a spiral with a line or curve.

2. Modification to the Union and Buffer command within the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This command when processing point features now offers the user the ability to create rectangular buffer polygons, in addition to the circular and square types previously supported. When creating rectangular buffer polygons, the user can control the width, height and angle of inclination of the rectangular polygon. Note that the user can also control the angle of inclination for square buffer polygons. The multi-input dialog box posed by this command, when processing point features, has been modified to enable the user to: (a) specify the distance between buffer rings, (b) specify whether the first ring is to be included or not, (c) specify whether the first ring is to be centered about the point feature or not, (d) the height of the rectangular buffer polygon and (e) the angle of inclination of the square or rectangular buffer polygon.

3. Modification to the Intersection 2 command |I CV/LIN| and Intersection 3 command |I 2CV|, for ArcGIS users, to allow the user to select the point feature to be kept. Previously, these commands would simply create point features at the resultant intersections. Now, these commands allow the user to pick one of the two new points. Once a point has been confirmed, the other point that was created is deleted. Afterwards, the user can select another feature to be intersected with the base feature or another command, if so desired. Should the user wish to keep both point features, the user simply selects any other command or another feature to be intersected with the base feature. That is, if both features are to be kept, the user should not pick one of the new points.

4. Modification to the Offset 3 command |PAR ELE| for ArcGIS users. A new option called Picking Individual Points has been added to the choice list displayed by this command. This new option enables the user to make various picks in the map area to define a string which is comprised of two-point line segments. The string definition is terminated by selecting the last point in the string a second time (an open string) or by picking the start point of the string a second time (a closed string). Using this option, the user does not need to have existing line or curve features.

5. Modification to the Special Curve 5 tool within the CEDRA-SpecialCurve-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This tool now displays a new parameter in the multi-input dialog box, which is displayed upon selection of the tool, that enables the user to specify whether point snapping is to be used or not during the creation and/or modification of the keynodes. Previously, the user had to use the [AVcogo Properties] command to set the point snapping property. Now the user can set the point snapping property that is desired during the operation of the tool upon selection of the tool. Note, that the setting of the point snapping property is reset to its value prior to activating this tool.

6. Modification to the Special Curve 5 tool within the CEDRA-SpecialCurve-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This tool will now query the user as to which feature is to be processed if a pick is made that can select more than one polyline feature. Previously, if more that one feature could be selected from the user's pick, the tool would assume that a keynode was being defined and not that a feature was to be modified. Now, the tool queries the user as to which feature is to be processed. If the user selects the Cancel button, the tool assumes that a keynode is to be defined and that no feature is to be modified.

7. Modification to the Intersection 1 command |I 2L/NBL| and the Intersection 2 command |I CV/LIN| when selecting a line feature. If the user selects a point feature rather than a line feature, the command assumes that the user wishes to define a two-point line rather than select an existing line feature. In this case, the selected point feature acts as the start point of the two-point line and the user is prompted to select the end point of the two-point line. Previously, these commands would disregard the selection of a point feature and the user was prompted to select a line feature. Now the user has the ability to perform an intersection with these commands using either an existing line feature or a two-point line which is defined by two picks. Note, if the user selects the No button in response to confirmation of a selected feature, for all features within proximity of the pick, the commands will assume that the user wishes to define a two-point line rather than select an existing line feature.

8. Addition of the CEDRA-Aliquot-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This toolbar contains one combo-box with four commands tailored for processing Aliquot descriptions. The last command, [Aliquot Polygon] is the most generic and enables the user to create a polygon feature by subdividing one or more selected polyline or polygon features by specifying typical Aliquot quadrant identifiers such as NE, SE, SW, NW, N2, S2, E2N2 and so forth. The August 2007 issue of Command of the Month describes the operation of this command in detail.

9. Modification to the {AVcad Tools} [Export Generate] command, for ArcGIS users in exporting polyline and polygon features. Two new choice items called Traverse File Format and Traverse File Format - Multiple Files have been added to the list of available file types. These new options enables the user to export polyline and polygon features using the Traverse File Format structure. The October 2007 issue of Command of the Month should be consulted for detail information regarding the use of the [Export Generate] command as well as the structure of the Traverse File Format.

10. Modification to the CEDRA-DataEditor extension, for ArcGIS users. A new tool has been added to the toolbar called Map Tips. This tool displays the attribute values for those attributes which have been defined in the Theme Attribute Data File (themes.txt) as a Map Tip for a specific feature. Once the tool has been activated, the user simply positions the cursor on top of the feature to be processed. If the command finds a feature, which belongs to a theme which appears in the Theme Attribute Data File, the command will display as a Map Tip the attribute values currently assigned to the feature. The values which are displayed are those which belong to the attributes identified in the Theme Attribute Data File. In addition to the attribute values, the attribute labels (as defined in the Theme Attribute Data File) will precede the attribute value. For example, the Map Tip window could contain a line such as Parcel: 101 or Diameter: 12. This new tool provides a quick and easy method of displaying attributes values without having to select a feature with the Edit Feature Attributes tool. The order of the attribute value listing is identical to the order of the attribute specification in the Theme Attribute Data File.

11. Addition of the Dimension 5 command |SAV MAB| for ArcGIS users. This new tool enables the user to generate a metes and bounds type of dimension based upon two picks made by the user. If a curve is to be annotated, the user can either: (a) explicitly enter the radius of the curve, or (b) make a pick denoting a point on the curve. The user can generate a distance, azimuth, bearing, distance and azimuth or distance and bearing type of annotation. This tool augments the {Annotate} [Distance], [Azimuth], [Bearing], [Distance and Azimuth] and [Distance and Bearing] commands by offering the ability to operate on two picks, rather than selected features.

12. Addition of the Center Text tool to the CEDRA-Text-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. In using this tool, the user: (a) selects the annotation feature(s) to be processed, (b) activates the tool, (c) makes two picks denoting the baseline and (d) specifies the type of centering to be performed. The user can center annotation features using any of the following options: Center within Horizontal Box, Center within Vertical Box, Center about Horizontal Line, Center about Vertical Line or Center about Inclined Line. When centering about a line, the user is able to specify a spacing value, if desired. The spacing value denotes the distance between the selected annotation features. A value of zero denotes leave the annotation feature spaced as is and only center the annotation features about the baseline. When centering annotation features within a box, the spacing value is computed by the command. This tool augments the text alignment options offered by native ArcMap functionality.

AVcogo New Features at Version 7.9v

1. Modification to the GetShape subroutine, for ArcGIS users to process features which are defined using the ArcMap Arc Tool. This modification effects a number of commands. Previously, features which were created using the ArcMap Arc Tool were treated as lines and not circular arcs. This no longer is the case as these features will now be treated as circular arcs.

2. Modification to the Assign Attribute command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Assign Attribute command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. The Assign Attribute command can now transfer the values from one field to another. To do so, the user specifies in the first data line item, within the multi-input dialog box that is displayed, the field or attribute to be modified (the one which will receive the new values). In the second data line item, the user specifies the name of the field (attribute) to be copied into the field specified in the first data line item, enclosing the name of the field within the square brackets [ ]. For example, if the user entered [AREA] in the second data line item, the command would copy the value from the attribute AREA into whatever field was specified in the first data line item. Note, when specifying date values, the user does not need to enclose the date in double-quote characters ("). For example, the date 12/08/2006 would be a valid date entry.

3. Modification to the Edit Feature command within the CEDRA-EditFeature-Tools toolbar, for ArcGIS users. The Edit Feature command will now display as the name of the label either the: (a) true attribute (field) name or (b) the alias of the attribute, if one has been assigned to the attribute. Previously, the command would only display the true attribute name and would not display the alias of the field.

4. Modification to the Sequential IDs command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Sequential IDs command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. Rather than displaying two dialog boxes, the Sequential IDs command has been modified to display only one. Previously, a second dialog box, was displayed prompting the user to select the attribute to be processed. Now, a new parameter, Attribute to be Populated, has been added to the initial multi-input dialog which enables the user to specify the attribute for processing.

5. Modification to the Sequential IDs command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Sequential IDs command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. The Sequential IDs command has been modified to be able to compute the high value for a specified attribute (field). This effects the first data line parameter, Enter Starting ID Number, which appears in the multi-input dialog box. The user is now able to either: (a) enter the starting value explicitly, or (b) select from a choice list the option, Attribute High plus Increment, to denote that the starting value is to be computed by taking the highest value in the attribute to be processed and adding the ID increment value to it. The ID increment value is specified in the second data line parameter.

6. Modification to the Change Feature's Shape tool for ArcGIS users. This tool can be found in the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools-2 toolbar. The Change Feature's Shape tool will now allow the user to change the shape of a part within a multi-part feature. Previously, the user could change the entire shape of a multi-part feature but not just a single part within the feature. Now, the user can alter the shape of a specific part within a multi-part feature. To do so, the user when selecting the multi-part feature for processing should make a pick close to any vertex on the part to be modified. That is to say, when selecting the base feature to be modified, make your pick on the boundary of the part to be modified. If a part within the multi-part feature is found, a new option will appear in the choice list message box, which is presented by the command, of the form "Change Shape of Part xx only", where xx denotes the part number. Note that part numbers begin at zero and increase sequentially by one. Selecting this option will result in the geometry of the selected part being altered to match that of the second feature that is selected. All other parts within the multi-part feature will remain unaltered.

7. Modification to the CheckEndPoint procedure for ArcGIS users. This procedure performs the point snapping for every tool in the software. The procedure has been modified to operate on an array of coordinates rather than a list of coordinates. This results in the procedure performing its task much faster than previously. This becomes very noticable when dealing with features which are comprised of many vertices.

8. Modification to the Relocation 6 command |BRK LINE| for ArcGIS users when handling multi-part features. The command has been modified to operate on an array of coordinates rather than a list of coordinates. This results in the procedure performing its task much faster than previously. This becomes very noticable when dealing with features which are comprised of many vertices.

9. Addition of the Transfer Attribute command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Transfer Attribute command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. This command enables the user to transfer or assign the attribute value of one feature to another feature based upon a spatial relationship (features close to a point feature or features within a polygon feature). To use this command, the user activates two layers in the Table of Contents. One of the layers will contain the features to be modified, while the other contains the features whose attribute is to be transferred to the other. Upon activation of the command a multi-input dialog box will be presented, from which, the user specifies: (a) the layer containing the features to be modified, (b) whether all features in this layer are to be modified or only the selected features, (c) the layer containing the attribute to be transferred, (d) the attribute in this layer to be transferred, (e) the attribute that this attribute is to be stored in, (f) the proximity tolerance, (g) whether the command is to transfer the attribute value only, highlight the corresponding feature only or transfer and highlight and (h) whether the layer name and OID of the corresponding feature are to be transferred as well. An example of the application of this new command is when there are two layers, a point layer and a polygon layer. The polygon layer contains an attribute called ZIP4 and it desired to transfer the ZIP4 value of a polygon feature to a point feature which falls within a specific polygon. This command can be used to accomplish this task.

10. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 for ArcGIS users. The program will now take into account the rotation angle that has been applied to a data frame. Previously, the data frame's rotation angle property was ignored. Now, the features which are to be exported in the data frame will be rotated to properly reflect the data frame's rotation angle.

11. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 for ArcGIS users. The program will now take into account the various horizontal and vertical alignment properties for multi-line graphic text elements. Previously, only the horizontal property was taken into consideration when exporting graphic text elements. Now, the vertical alignment, as well as, the X and Y offset values are accounted for.

12. Modification to the Intersection 1 command |I 2L/NBL| when intersecting a two-point line with a polyline or polygon feature. The command will now, internally, extend the two-point line so that it intersects or crosses the polyline or polygon feature. Previously, if the two-point line did not cross the polyline or polygon feature, an intersection would not be computed. This no longer is the case. So that, in the case where a two-point line does not cross a polyline or polygon feature, the command will extend the two-point line so that it does cross the polyline or polygon feature. Note, that the two-point line is not altered by the command, it remains as is.

13. Modification to the CEDRA-Text-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users to the Set Graphic Text Angle (2 Pts), Set Graphic Text Angle (Pick Line) and Set Graphic Text Angle (Explicit) tools. These tools when processing an annotation feature, which follows the path of a polyline (curved text), will remove the polyline path definition and force the annotation to follow the angle of inclination as defined by the user. This modification enables users to convert a curved text to a non-curved text without having to use native ArcMap functionality.

14. Modification to the Duplicate Features command within the extension, CEDRA-PolyTools (Version 1.6) for ArcGIS users. The command has been modified to provide the user the ability to control the basis of how a duplicate feature match is made. The user can specify that a duplicate feature is to be based upon: (a) a match in geometry only or (b) upon geometry and attribute values. Previously, the command would consider two features to be identical if the two features shared the same geometry. Now, the user has the additional option of indicating that the attribute values between the two features must be identical in addition to the feature's geometries. A choice list data field has been added to the bottom of the multi-input dialog box that is presented by this command. Using this choice list, the user can specify the basis for determining a match between features. Attributes which are not considered in determining a feature match include: OID, FID, OBJECTID, DISSOLVE_SHAPE, SHAPE_AREA, SHAPE_LENGTH, SHAPE.AREA, SHAPE.LENGTH and ELEMENT.

15. Addition of the Special Curve 5 tool to the CEDRA-SpecialCurve-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. 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. When using the Circular Arcs method, the user is able to specify a rounding factor which results in a larger radius curve being established. There is no limit as to how large this value can be. Typical values can be 500, 1000 and so forth. Upon activation, the user is asked to specify the method of curve generation and rounding factor (if need be), after which, the user picks the keynodes which are to comprise the curve. The curve keynode definition process is terminated by selecting the last keynode a second time. At this point, the user can: (a) select a keynode, dragging the keynode with the left mouse button depressed to dynamically alter the shape of the curve, (b) select the I key to insert a keynode, (c) select the X key to delete a keynode or (d) depress the ESC key to terminate the creation of the spline curve. When inserting a keynode, the new keynode is inserted immediately after the keynode that is closest to the cursor location. To delete a keynode, the user positions the cursor over the keynode to be deleted and depresses the X key. If the user makes a pick that results in the command selecting a polyline feature, the user is able to reshape the selected feature using the specified curve generation method. If a polyline is selected, the user is asked to specify the number of keynodes that are to comprise the polyline. The process for manipulating the selected feature is the same as that for creating a new spline curve. New spline curves are stored in the current active layer.

AVcogo New Features at Version 7.9u

1. Modification to the {Annotate} [Point Data] command, for ArcGIS users to allow the user the ability to control the order of the listing of the coordinates. Previously, the X coordinate would always appear on top of the Y coordinate. Likewise, the Easting would always be on top of the Northing. Now, a new data line parameter has been added at the bottom of the multi-input dialog box containing a choice list with two options. By selecting the appropriate option the user can control if the X coordinate is to appear above the Y coordinate, or if the Y coordinate is to appear above the X coordinate.

2. Modification to the {AVcad Tools} [Import Points] command, for ArcGIS users when using any of the formats that employ the Code parameter. Under these types of file formats, the user is now able to create separate layers, if so desired, for each of the unique Code values which appear in the input file. The value of the Code parameter serves as the name of the layer. A new data line item has been added to the dialog box posed by this command. The user simply selects Y or N to indicate if separate layers are to be created. If separate layers are to be created a Personal GeoDatabase (PGD) will be created using the root name of the input file as the name of the PGD. Within the PGD the command will create separate datasets for each of the unique Code values.

3. Modification to the {AVcad Tools} [Import Points] command, for ArcGIS users when using any of the formats that employ the Code parameter. Under these types of file formats, the user is now able to create lines connecting common Code values in the order in which they appear in the input file. Codes which appear in the PTCODE.LIS file, located in the \cedra\fontswin folder, are disregarded, these codes are treated as point symbols and as such are not used to create lines. The lines which are created will be stored in a layer whose name will match the name of the data source for which the points are stored in. Note that if this layer does not exist or if it does but is not of Line type, the ln extension will be appended to the name. For example, if the points are stored in a shapefile or a PGD whose root name is i_demo2 or i_demo2pn and the layer i_demo2 does not exist, the lines will be stored in a layer called i_demo2ln. In addition, if the i_demo2ln layer does not exist in the Table of Contents, a PGD will be created called i_demo2.mdb and a line feature dataset called i_demo2ln will be created within the PGD. A new data line item has been added to the dialog box posed by this command. The user simply selects Y or N to indicate if common point codes are to be connected so as to create line features.

4. Modification to the {AVcad Tools} [Update Classifications] command for ArcGIS users when using the Update Active CEDRA Classifications, Update All CEDRA Classifications or Update Visible CEDRA Classifications options. The command has been modified to run much faster than before so that the time to perform the classifications should be dramatically less than previously experienced.

5. Modification to the {AVcad Tools} [Update Classifications] command for ArcGIS users. Two new options called Set Visible Themes to Single Symbol and Set Active Themes to Single Symbol have been added to the choice list presented by this command. These options enable the user to apply a single symbol classification, using the default symbol for the feature type, to either all visible or all active layers. If a layer is of type Point, the symbol size for the point symbol will be set to 4.

6. Addition of the Connect Points command to the extension, CEDRA-PolyTools (Version 1.4) for ArcGIS users. ArcGIS users will find this new command in the combo-box on the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools toolbar. This command will create line features by connecting point features based upon a sequential attribute value and/or a common attribute value. To use this command the user activates or selects the point layer in the Table of Contents prior to activating this command. Upon activation, the command displays a multi-input dialog box from which the user specifies: (a) the sequential attribute, (b) the common attribute, (c) the Z or elevation attribute (optional), (d) whether the selected point features are to be processed or if all of the point features in the active layer are to be processed and (e) the type of connectivity to be used (Sequential or Common and Sequential). The lines which are created will be stored in a layer whose name will match the name of the current active layer. Note that if this layer does not exist or if it does but is not of Line type, the ln extension will be appended to the name. For example, if the name of the current active layer is L_0 and the layer L_0 does not exist in the Table of Contents, the lines will be stored in a layer called L_0ln. In addition, if the L_0ln layer does not exist, a PGD will be created called L_0.mdb and a line feature dataset called L_0ln will be created within the PGD.

7. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 for ArcGIS users. The program will now export the elevation or Z value for polyline and polygon features. Previously, this was only done if the feature was ZAware (a 3D feature). Now if one of the following attributes is present (Z SZ, Z1, ELV, ELS, ELEV, ELEVATION, ELEV1, ELEVATION1), the program will include the attribute value in the DXF file as the Z value for the vertices which comprise the feature. For two-point lines, if one of the following attributes is present (EZ, Z2, ELE, ELEV2, ELEVATION2), the program will include this attribute value in the DXF file as the end point Z value for the feature, otherwise, the start point elevation will be used as the end point elevation, if one is present.

8. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 for ArcGIS users. The program will now export CAD drawing curve features. Previously, features which appeared in the document file in the form of a CAD drawing (.dwg, .dxf, .etc.) were not processed due to the fact that these features were drawn differently than native ArcMap features. Now the program is able to process CAD drawing curve features by computing vertices along the curve at a uniform interval. The interval is computed by taking the overall length of the curve and dividing it by 1.5.

9. Modification to the {AVcad Tools} [Import Points] command, for ArcGIS users when importing a CEDRA drawing, files of type CEDRA Dwg (*.ctl). The command will now import the point code and description of a point feature, provided the point has been assigned a code and a description. Previously, the point code and description, which appeared in the CEDRA drawing, were ignored by the command. Now, these attributes will appear under the PTCODE and PTDESC fields.

10. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 for ArcGIS users. The program will now export scale bar elements when the export is performed from Layout View. Previously, scale bar elements were ignored. In addition, the program has been modified to export a polyline which represents the outline of north arrow and picture frame elements. Although the program does not export the features which comprise the north arrow (since it is actually an ESRI font character) or a picture frame, the program will export a polyline which denotes the location of these two types of elements.

11. Modification to the {AVcad Tools} [Export Generate] command, for ArcGIS users in exporting point features. A new choice called Single Point Coordinate File has been added to the list of available file types. This new option enables the user to export point features in a variety of formats similar to the file formats presented by the [Import Points] command.

12. Modification to the CEDRA Tool Palette for ArcGIS users. The visibility of the palette is now stored in the global parameter setting file (c:\public.txt) so that when the user reinvokes the program and the palette was visibile the last time the program was used, the palette will now be displayed at its last position without the user having to select the [CEDRA Tool Palette] command.

13. Modification to the Sequential IDs command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Sequential IDs command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. The Sequential IDs command has been modified to allow the user the ability to add a prefix or suffix to the sequential index value that is computed, if so desired. The text, <none>, denotes that the prefix or suffix is not to be added, any other text which is entered in the appropriate data fields will be used as either a prefix or suffix. In addition, the user is able to specify the increment value that is to be used. Previously, the increment value was always 1. Now the user can enter the desired increment value. The multi-input dialog box posed by this command has been modified to accommodate the three new parameters: ID increment value, prefix and suffix.

14. Modification to the Sequential IDs command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Sequential IDs command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. The Sequential IDs command, prior to displaying the multi-input dialog box, will check if there are any selected graphic line elements. If so, an additional parameter will appear in the multi-input dialog box with the label, Use selected graphic for order (Y=yes, N=no):. This new parameter enables the user to control the order of the features which are processed. Previously, the order was based upon the feature's sequential OID value. Now, when a selected graphic line element is present, the command will use the order of the vertices comprising the graphic line element to determine the order of how the features will be processed. That is, the feature which is closest to the first vertex in the graphic line element will be processed first, while the feature which is closest to the last vertex will be processed last.

15. Modification to the Sequential IDs command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Sequential IDs command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. The Sequential IDs command will now remember the values which were previously specified. Prior to this modification, the same default values would always appear whenever the command was invoked. Now the command will display the values which were last entered as the default values.

16. Modification to the Relocation 4 command |EXT/ELE/XING| for ArcGIS users. The command now displays a check box control at the bottom of the Yes/No/Cancel query box, which is displayed after the user selects the features to be extended, that enables the user to control whether or not point features are to be created at the computed intersections. If the check box control is not checked, the command functions as it always did. However, if the user checks the control, the command will not extend the selected features, but rather, will create point features at the computed intersections.

17. Addition of the Assign Attribute command within the CEDRA-Skeletonization extension, for ArcGIS users. The Assign Attribute command can be found in the CEDRA-Skeletonization-Tools toolbar. The Assign Attribute command enables the user to assign a value (explicitly or picked from a list) to a specific attribute or field. This command operates on the current active layer processing either all features in the layer or only the selected features, if any are present. A multi-input dialog box is posed, from which, the user can specify the field to be processed and the explicit attribute value. If the user desires to display a list of the unique values for the attribute, a parameter labeled List Attribute Unique Values (Y=yes, N=no) appears in the dialog box where the user can select either Yes or No. If a unique attribute value list is displayed, it is possible for the user to select a value from the list and have it assigned to the features. A parameter labeled Use a Unique Attribute Value (Y=yes, N=no) provides the user the ability to indicate if one of the unique attribute values is to be used or not. If the user responds Yes, the multi-input dialog box is redisplayed with a list of the unique values for the selected attribute. Note that no features are modified during the generation of the unique attribute value list.

AVcogo New Features at Version 7.9t

1. Addition of the Echo 5 tool to the CEDRA-Echo-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This tool enables the user to echo or display the plus and offset of a point along a string, as well as, the overall length of the string. A string may be comprised of one or more features (lines and/or curves). When activated, the user will be asked to select the first element in the string. A choice message box will appear enabling the user to define the string in one of three modes. Once the string has been defined, the user makes a pick. The command will project this pick onto the string and display the plus and offset values associated with the point of projection. The user is then able to make another pick to display new plus and offset values. The command remains in this mode of operation until another command is selected.

2. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.7 to be able to export the visible data in either: (a) the current coordinate system of the view (data frame) or (b) in the coordinate system of the theme's data source. A new option has been added to the dialog box posed by the Create DXF File command called Export using same Coordinate System as the Data Frame. When this option has been activated (checked), all of the data that is exported will be in the same coordinate system as the view (data frame). When this option is not activated (not checked), each theme (layer) will appear in the coordinate system of its data source. As such, when this option is not checked it is possible for the themes (layers) to not overlay as expected since each theme (layer) could be in a different coordinate system.

3. Addition of the Mirror Features and Repeat Features options to the Transformation tool for ArcGIS users. These options appear below the Translate, Rotate, Scale Features option at the bottom of the choice list and enable the user to either mirror or repeat the selected features. Both options create new features placing them in the current active layer. Attributes of the selected features will be transferred to the new features provided that the layer into which the new features are stored contain the same attributes as the selected features. When mirroring features the user can mirror about: (a) the X axis, (b) the Y axis or (c) an arbitrary baseline. The options Pick Baseline Point 1 and Pick Baseline Point 2 should be used to specify the baseline control points. When repeating features the user can: (a) create multiple copies, (b) apply a scale factor and/or (c) apply an angle of rotation. The option Pick Baseline Point 1 should be used to specify the "control point" for the selected features, while the option Pick New Baseline Point 1 should be used to denote the new location of the "control point".

4. Modification to the Transform Features and Stretch Features options in the Transformation tool for ArcGIS users when processing polyline and polygon features which have a large number of vertices comprising the feature. These options will now process these types of features faster than before.

5. Modification to the Perform a Topological Operation tool within the extension, CEDRA-ChangeFeatures (Version 2.3), when using the topological operations called: SHARED EDGE and SHARED EDGE WITH BASE FEATURE. These options have been modified to handle a vertex proximity tolerance of zero, as well as, improved to better find the common edge between the selected polygons. This command appears in the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools2 toolbar for ArcGIS users.

6. Modification to the CEDRA-DataEditor extension, Version 2.1, for ArcGIS users when processing a feature in a layer that has labels displayed. The software will now refresh the layer, upon completion of the editing, to ensure that the labels which are displayed reflect the proper values. Previously, there was no refreshing so that in order for the labels to be updated the user had to manually refresh the display of the layer. Now, the software will perform this updating for the user.

7. Modification to the Perform a Topological Operation tool within the extension, CEDRA-ChangeFeatures (Version 2.3). The tool will now process the active layer(s) or the visible layers. Previously, the tool would process only the visible layers. Now, if there are any active layers, the tool will process the active layer(s). If there are no active layers then the tool functions as before processing all of the visible layers. This command appears in the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools2 toolbar for ArcGIS users.

8. Modification to the CEDRA Tool Palette for ArcGIS users. The position of the palette is now stored in the global parameter setting file (c:\public.txt) so that when the user reinvokes the program and redisplays the palette, it will appear in the location in which it was last displayed. In so doing, the user no longer has to reposition the palette, but rather, the palette will always be displayed in the location in which it last appeared.

9. Addition of the CEDRA-Callout-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. This new toolbar provides similar functionality to the Callout tools found in the Text tools drop-down list, found in the ArcView GIS environment, for creating various types of Callouts. Since there is no out of the box toolbar in ArcMap for creating Callouts, this new toolbar is extremely useful for those users who need to create Callouts from within ArcMap.

10. Modification to the [Print Data Frame] command under the {Data Frame Tools} combo-box for ArcGIS users. ArcGIS users will find this combo-box within the CEDRA-DataFrame-Tools toolbar. The radial button Custom, under the Paper Size frame, has been changed to a listbox control containing the names of the maps in the document. Selecting the radial button to the left of this listbox enables the user to specify custom sheet height and width values. If the user selects the Include Data Frame matching the Paper Size option the user can select a map from this listbox for inclusion in the plot that is created. Previously, the Data Frame that was included had to be called Custom. Now the Data Frame that is included can be named anything the user desires.

11. Modification to the {Text Properties} [Modify Annotation Features] command, for ArcGIS users. This command now allows the user to reposition an annotation feature by centering a text string along a line while either (a) maintaining an offset or (b) fixing the offset of the annotation from a line. Two new options have been added to the Reposition by choice drop-down list providing for this new functionality. These options are called Maintaining Offset from a Line & Center and Fixed Offset from a Line & Center, respectively.

12. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.7, for ArcView GIS users, when exporting point features. If the point feature is not ZAware, that is to say not a 3D point, the program will try to use one of the following attributes; Z, ELV, ELEV or ELEVATION in exporting an elevation value. If none of these attributes exist and the point is not ZAware, the elevation value 0.0 will be written to the DXF file. If one of these attributes do exist, the program will export the value for the first attribute it finds. Previously, a non-zero elevation value would be written only when the point feature was ZAware (a 3D point).

13. Modification to the [Update Geometry] command for ArcGIS users, which appears under the {CEDRA commands} combo-box within the CEDRA-AVcad-Menus toolbar A new option called Update Shapes using Coordinates has been added to the Mode of Operation choice list that is presented by this command. This new option provides the user the ability to alter the geometry or shape of a feature by using coordinate values that are stored in the attribute table. This option processes the current active point or polyline layer. Once activated, the user is able to specify the fields which contain the X and Y coordinate values and how the coordinates are to be processed. The coordinate processing options include Use Coordinates As Is, Project Decimal Degrees to Map Units and Project Distance to Map Units. The last option Project Distance to Map Units is sensitive to the Display Units setting for the Data Frame. When dealing with point features, this command will position the point using the X and Y coordinates found in the attribute table, while for polyline features the command will alter only the start and end points of the polyline, any intermediate vertices will remain unaltered.

14. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 when exporting attributes for a single layer. Previously, the software would not output the BLOCKS command line in the DXF file, which resulted in the DXF file being incomplete. This has been corrected so that attributes can be exported for one or many layers.

15. Modification to the extension, CEDRA-PolyTools (Version 1.4), for ArcGIS users when using the Snap To Points command. The user is now able to specify whether all visible layers are to be processed or only the visible active layers are to be processed. Previously, the command would process all visible layers. Now the user has a choice as to which layers are to be processed. In addition, if the Editor is in session an additional parameter will be presented in the multi-input dialog box presented by the command, enabling the user to either: (a) stop the Editor saving any edits which may have been made, or (b) stop the Editor ignoring any edits which may have been made. In order to use this command, the Editor should be stopped prior to invoking the command, if the Editor is not stopped, this additional parameter will appear in the multi-input dialog box.

16. Modification to the extension, CEDRA-ChangeFeatures (Version 2.4) when using the Change Feature's Shape tool. The tool will now check if one or two layers are active. If so, the tool tries to select two features from the active layer(s). If two features can not be selected, the command functions as before. If two features of the same type can be selected, the command highlights the first feature found and prompts the user as to if this is the base feature to be modified in the form of a Yes/No/Cancel message box. By activating the layer or layers containing: (a) the feature to be modified and (b) the feature containing the new shape, the user is able to reduce the number of clicks in altering the shape of a feature.

17. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 for ArcGIS users. The program will now export Callout elements. Previously, Callout elements were ignored and as such would not appear in the DXF file that was created. Now Callout elements are processed from both Data View and Layout View.

18. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 for ArcGIS users. The program will now export the Data Frame's border, if one has been associated with the Data Frame, when the export is performed from Layout View. Previously, the Data Frame's border would not be processed. Now the program will export the Data Frame's border when creating a DXF file from Layout View.

19. Modification to the CEDRA-DXF-Export extension, Version 1.8 for ArcGIS users. The program will now export multi-line annotation features stored in a geodatabase. Previously, only single-line annotation features were handled. Now, both single and multi-line annotation features are properly exported from both Data View and Layout View.

20. Addition of the Generate Parcel Centroids command to the extension, CEDRA-PolyTools (Version 1.4) for ArcGIS users. ArcGIS users will find this new command in the combo-box on the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools toolbar. This command will generate point features representing the approximate centroid location for the selected polygon features. The user selects the polygon features to be processed prior to activating this command. The point features which are created are stored in the current active layer. Should the polygon being processed contain a Parcel Identification Number (PIN), the command will transfer the PIN to the point feature. The PIN.TXT file located in the \cedra\avprjs folder can be used to define the structure of the PIN.

AVcogo New Features at Version 7.9s

1. Modification to the CEDRA-Text-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. Four tools have been added to the toolbar. The first three correspond to the Set Graphic Text Angle (2 Pts), Set Graphic Text Angle (Pick Line) and Set Graphic Text Angle (Explicit) options within the Transformation tool. These tools enable the user to define the angle of inclination for an annotation feature by: (a) picking two points, (b) picking an existing line feature or (c) explicitly entering an angle. In using these tools, the user is able to (a) "pick" the annotation feature to be processed and then specify the appropriate data, or (b) "select" the annotation feature prior to activating the tool and then specify the appropriate data required by the tool. The fourth tool is the Edit A Text tool which enables the user to edit the text string that is associated with the annotation feature (see the description below for more information).

2. Addition of the Edit A Text tool to the CEDRA-Text-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. In using this tool, the user "picks" the annotation feature to be modified, after which, the command displays a multi-input message box containing the annotation feature's current text string and the attributes which are associated with the annotation feature. The user is then able to enter a new text by overwriting the current text string that is displayed or by selecting the attribute whose value is to be used as the text string. Should the user wish to break the text into separate text strings, the characters || can be used. When the || characters are found, the command will create a new annotation feature in the same layer as the original selected annotation feature. There is no limit to the number of times the || characters can appear in a text string. When the || characters are used, the command will center the annotation features about the original selected annotation feature's position. In addition, this tool can be used to transfer the attribute value of a line feature to the text string. When selecting the annotation feature to be processed, if the "pick" that is made to select the feature can also be used to select a line feature, the command will highlight both the annotation feature and the line feature and display the attributes of the line feature in the multi-input dialog box. The user can then select one of the line feature's attributes, if desired.

3. Modification to the CEDRA-Transform-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. An additional tool has been added to the toolbar. This tool corresponds to the Translate, Rotate, Scale Features option within the Transformation tool. This tool enables the user to translate, rotate and scale selected features without taking into consideration a baseline. This means that the transformation, which is applied to the selected features, is in respect to the X and Y axes. In using this tool, the user selects the feature(s) to be transformed and then selects this tool. The command will then display the transformation parameter multi-input dialog box, from which, the user can enter the appropriate data. Once entered, the transformation is applied to the selected features and the dialog box redisplayed so that another transformation can be applied to the same features. To terminate the command, the user selects the Cancel button.

4. Modification to the CEDRA-Text-Tools toolbar for ArcGIS users. A new tool, Curved Text, has been added to the toolbar. This brings the total number of tools in this toolbar to six. The Curved Text tool enables the user to convert an existing annotation feature into a text string which follows the path of an existing polyline feature. In using this tool, the user first selects and confirms the annotation feature to be processed followed by selecting and confirming the polyline feature which the annotation feature is to follow. Once both features have been identified, the command presents a multi-input dialog box which enables the user to control: (a) the X and Y offsets along the polyline, (b) the text string and (c) whether the text string is to be flipped or reversed. The dialog box will remain visible until the user selects the Cancel button. This allows the user the ability to enter various values until the desired position has been achieved.

5. Addition of the Duplicate Features command to the extension, CEDRA-PolyTools (Version 1.6) for ArcGIS users. ArcGIS users will find this new command in the combo-box on the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools toolbar. This command checks to see if there are any duplicates features in a layer or if there are any duplicate features between two layers. In determining duplicate features this command checks if there are features which have the exact same geometry. As such, the direction of a feature's geometry is important in determining if a duplicate feature exists. Once the duplicate features have been identified, the user has the option to: (a) highlight the duplicate features, (b) delete the duplicate features, (c) add the attributes of the duplicate features which are missing (available only when two layers are being processed) or (d) update the common attributes using the values of the duplicate features.

6. Modification to the Change Feature's Course tool within the extension, CEDRA-ChangeFeatures (Version 2.2). This command has been modified to better find vertex matches when the end points of the second feature selected do not have an exact match with the first feature selected. When the end points of the second feature do not have an exact match with any vertex of the first feature, the command will use the vertices on the first feature which are the closest to the end points of the second feature. This command appears in the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools2 toolbar for ArcGIS users.

7. Addition of the Point Elev. from TIN and Point Elev. from Contours commands to the extension, CEDRA-PolyTools (Version 1.6) for ArcGIS users. ArcGIS users will find these new commands in the combo-box on the CEDRA-Polygon-Tools toolbar. These new commands enable the user to interpolate an elevation for point features based upon a TIN dataset or a layer containing contour strings, respectively. In using these commands, the user must first activate in the table of contents the two layers which represent the point layer and the TIN or contour string layer to be processed. Once done, the user can select the appropriate command. Upon selection of the command, the program will display a dialog box where the user can specify the desired interpolation parameter values.