Vector symbol sketching was created to:
- Give users the ability to produce high quality
maps with familiar symbology.
- Store every symbol as a geometric feature in a
feature class.
- Allow for dynamic sketching of symbols.
- Make selecting and deleting easier due to multi-part
geometries.
The Vector Symbols extension extend geodatabase functionality
by providing complex geometries that can be dynamically
placed using the sketch tool in ArcMap. Predefined
symbol constructors are assigned to a feature class
or feature class subtypes in ArcCatalog using the Vector
Symbol geodatabase extension. Several constructors
can be assigned to any one subtype. Whenever these
feature classes and subtypes are targeted in ArcMap,
a symbol constructor overrides the sketch tool. For
example, rather than sketching a polyline the sketch
tool may automatically begin sketching a curved arrow.
The MapAscend Symbols toolbar contains a choicebox
for specifying the active constructor when a vector
symbol feature class is targeted. Macro buttons also
exist for activating a contructor and the sketch tool
simultaneously. Constructors
Symbol constructors are provided by MapAscend. Currently
eight constructors are supplied. These are common
arrow symbols, dimension tips, and a few symbols
common to Tax Maps and Plat Books. Each constructor
creates a polyline feature so they must be assigned
to polyline feature classes. Each constructor overrides
the sketch tool so all sketch hot keys and context
menu options may be used. An additional context menu
option called "Symbol Adjustment" exists
in the sketch context menu. This provides extra placement
and scale functionality while sketching.
2 Point Arrow: Sketch a line segment by specifying
two points. The arrow head is placed at the second
point. The arrow head's scale can be adjusted using
the "Symbol Adjustment" menu at any time
before the sketch is finished.
3 Point Arrow: Sketch a curve segment by specifying
three points. The arrow head is placed at the third
point. The arrow head's scale can be adjusted using
the "Symbol Adjustment" menu at any time
before the sketch is finished.
Bezier Arrow: Sketch a bezier curve by specifying at
least four points. Finish sketch to finalize arrow.
The arrow head is placed at the last point. The arrow
head's scale can be adjusted using the "Symbol
Adjustment" menu at any time before the sketch
is finished.
From To Arrow: Sketch two points. The From To Arrow
is a multipart geometry that consists of two arrow
heads, one at each point. While sketching, the From
To Arrow automatically keeps its parts tangent to one
another. The scale of the arrow heads, from each anchor
point, can be adjusted using the "Symbol Adjustment" menu.
Also, the arrow heads can either face each other or
face away from one another.
Hook: Sketch an anchor point, then sketch a rotation
angle for the hook. The scale of the hook and alignment
to its anchor point can be adjusted using the "Symbol
Adjustment" menu at any time before the sketch
is finished.
Split Hook: Sketch two points. The Split Hook is a
multipart geometry that consists of two half hooks.
While sketching, the Split Hook automatically keeps
its parts tangent to one another. The scale of the
half hooks, from each anchor point, can be adjusted
using the "Symbol Adjustment" menu at any
time before the sketch is finished.
Tip: Sketch an anchor point, then sketch a rotation
angle. The scale of the tip and the rotation cursors
alignment to the tip can be adjusted using the "Symbol
Adjustment" menu at any time before the sketch
is finished.
From To Tip: Sketch two points. The From To Tip is
a multipart geometry that constists of multiple curved
tips. While sketching, the From To Tip automatically
keeps its parts tangent to one another. The From To
Tips scale, pitch, and orientation to a line can be
adjusted using the "Symbol Adjustments" menu
at any time before the sketch is finished.
|
