An image is typically a scanned map or aerial photo in TIFF, PNG, or JPEG format. Images can be imported to GMS and displayed in the background to aid in the placement of objects as they are being constructed or simply to enhance a plot. Images can also be draped or "texture mapped" onto a TIN, 2D grid, 2D mesh, or the top of a 3D grid or 3D mesh.
Scanned USGS Quad Map Texture Mapped to the Top of a 3D Grid. Image display options are changed in the Project Explorer. The options are as follows:
- Visibility – The Visibility of an Image is turned off by toggling the check box next to the image in the Project Explorer.
- Transparency – The Transparency of the images can be changed by right-clicking on the image folder in the Project Explorer and selecting the Transparency command.
- Crop Collar – USGS quad sheet collars can be removed from an image by right-clicking on an image in the Project Explorer and selecting the Crop Collar Command.
Getting Images via Online Maps
Free imagery can be obtained from the internet via the Get Online Maps feature. A local image file can be created from an online map via the Export command.
Importing an Image
Images are read into GMS by using the File | Open command. GMS supports many different image file types.
Image Pyramids
Image pyramids can be created when an image is imported into GMS. Image pyramids are multiple resolution copies of the original image that are created and saved to speed up display. With pyramids, a lower resolution copy of the image displays quickly when drawing the entire image. When zooming in, copies of the original image resampled at finer resolutions are then drawn. This option allows for optimal performance and clear image display.
See Image Pyramids for more information.
Multiple Images
GMS allows more than one image at a time; however, when doing so make certain that each image is in the same coordinate system.
Geo-Referenced Images
Some images have the coordinate system embedded in the file. Also, some images will have a separate file called a world file (for example: a TIFF world file, *.tfw). These files are "geo-referenced." When these files are opened GMS automatically registers the image to the real world coordinate location specified. In the case where a separate world file is used, GMS will automatically find it and register the image if the world file has the same filename prefix as the image file and is in the same folder.
If the image file is not geo-referenced then register the image manually. (See Registering an Image)
When the GMS project is saved, a link to the image is saved in the project file, along with the current image registration information so that the image is re-registered to the same coordinates every time the project is opened. The original image file and world file (if one exists) are not altered.
Exporting Images
An image can be exported by right-clicking on the image in the Project Explorer and selecting the Export command. When exporting, the image file type and the resolution can be specified. Only the image which is open in GMS is exported, not the entire Graphics Window.
The entire Graphics Window can also be saved to an image file via the File | Save As command. A number of different image file types are supported such as: BMP, PNG, JPG, and TIF.
Texture Mapping Images
GMS allows draping an image over the top of a TIN, grid, or mesh. However, only the first image listed in the project explorer will be texture mapped onto the TIN, grid, or mesh. Change the order of the images in the Project Explorer by selecting the image and dragging it to a new location in the Project Explorer.
Image Properties
The Image Properties dialog can be opened by double-clicking on an image in the Project Explorer. This dialog displays information about the image, such as name, path, type, pixel size, etc.
Example of the
Image Properties dialog
DEMs / Rasters
See Rasters.
