View source for User:Jmonson/SMS 13.1 Beta

Add to [[SMS:1D_Hyd_Cross_Section_Coverage]]

The cross section tools in SMS 13.1 Beta have a number of new features:
#Cross section databases can now be created from a text file.
#Cross sections can be interpolated along the centerline.
#Cross sections can be trimmed to annotation types.
#A surface (TIN) can be created by matching annotated points on cross sections.
#A centerline coverage can be created from annotated cross sections.
#HEC-RAS cross section data can now be used.

Some things to watch for when using these tools:
*Always check for overlapping cross sections after interpolation is complete.
**Trimming cross sections prior to interpolation can help prevent overlapping afterward.
**Before converting to a TIN, cross sections must be manually cleaned up.
*Converting a shapefile to a Centerline coverage can be a slow process. 
**Converting to an Area Property coverage first, then cleaning that coverage prior to converting is faster.

==Creating a Cross Section Database from Text==
A [[SMS:1D Hyd Cross Section Coverage#Cross Section Database|Cross Section Database]] can be created by [[SMS:Extract Features Tool|extracting data]] from feature arcs, manually entering cross section data within a project, importing the cross section data from a spreadsheet, or by importing the data from specially-formatted text file. When importing data from a text file, please keep in mind the following:
*Import the data as Feature Data
*Make sure the ''Cross section coverage'' option is turned on. A 1D Cross Section coverage must exist.
*The text file must have an ''XS ID'' or ''Station ID'' column. This defines the points found in each cross section. 
*The cross section points in the text file must be in sequential order unless there is a distance column in the text data file.
*A ''PT'' column can be used to assign special points. These are used to annotate features such as thalweg, left bank, right bank, left toe, right toe, abutment, pier, and so on.
**It is not recommended that the ''PT'' column be the final/last column in the text data file.
**Content should be included in the ''PT'' column in the first few rows to make sure the import wizard recognizes the column.
**If the data on the first few rows does not contain a PT type, a dummy PT type can be used to make sure the import wizard recognizes the column.

==Interpolating Cross Sections Along a Centerline==
When interpolating cross sections along a centerline, please keep in mind the following:
*Both a [[SMS:1D Hyd Cross Section Coverage|1D Cross Section coverage]] and a [[SMS:1D Hyd Centerline Coverage|1D Centerline coverage]] (including a centerline arc) are required.
*All of the cross sections must intersect the centerline arc.
*When interpolating, SMS uses the centerline arc to orient the interpolated cross sections. Keep in mind that interpolated cross sections:
**Are created from two bounding cross sections in the cross section database.
**Have an interpolated skew angle to the centerline.
**Have interpolated bends for each bend in the bounding cross section.
*Orientation is based on the centerline, so it is recommended that the centerline be smoother than the desired cross section spacing.
*At least two adjacent cross sections must be selected before initiating interpolation by right-clicking in the Graphics Window and selecting '''Interpolate Cross Sections'''.<!--verify name of the command-->
*When specifying the spacing option, it can be either a specific distance or a specific number of cross sections between each pair of bounding cross sections.
*If points should be excluded from the interpolation, be sure to specify them in the ''Excluded Features'' dialog.
**Examples of points that might be excluded include pier locations or water surface points.
**Examples of cross sections that might be excluded include those with specific point types (such as bridge cross sections).
*After interpolation is completed, a report dialog will appear. It includes information such as how many cross sections were created.

==Trimming Cross Sections to Annotation Type==
When trimming cross section to annotation type, please keep in mind the following:
*A [[SMS:1D Hyd Cross Section Coverage|1D Cross Section coverage]] must exist, and it should have feature points identified (such as bank arcs).
*Right-clicking after selecting the desired cross section and selecting '''Trim''' to bring up the [[SMS:Trim|''Trim'' dialog]]. This dialog allows selection of the trimming points for each end (left and/or right) of the cross section. 
*When a trimming point type is selected, the point of that type closest to that end of the cross section will be used.
*After interpolation is completed, a report dialog will appear. It includes information such as how many cross sections were created.

==Converting Cross Sections to a TIN==
When converting cross sections to a TIN, please keep in mind the following:
*Right-clicking on the coverage containing the cross sections and selecting ''Convert to'' | '''TIN''' brings up the ''Convert to TIN'' dialog.<!--need to verify name of dialog and menu options-->
*This dialog allows selecting the ''Database'' option and specify any points or cross sections that should be excluded.
*Any [[SMS:Breaklines|breaklines]] connecting similar classification points on adjacent cross sections will be honored and created. This includes breaklines for thalweg, channel toes, and so on.

==Creating a Centerline Coverage from Annotated Cross Sections==
When creating a centerline coverage from annotated cross sections, please keep in mind the following:
*This tool is accessed by right-clicking on the corss section coverage and selecting '''SOMETHING''' from the menu.
*Using this tool creates a centerline and bank arcs interpolated from the thalweg and bank points on the cross sections.

==Using HEC-RAS Cross Section Data==
When using HEC-RAS cross section data, please keep in mind the following:
*The HEC-RAS project used must be [[SMS:Images#Geo-Referencing|georeferenced]].
*The GIS data must be exported from the HEC-RAS project, creating a "**RASexport.sdf" file, where the "**" is the name of the project.
*The exported data must include bank points to allow for trimming of the cross sections.
*The exported data must include a centerline to facilitate interpolation. If a centerline is not included in the exported data, one can be created after the exported HEC-RAS data is imported into SMS.