SMS:Digitize Workflow

To digitize features for a model, use the following steps:

1. Import data.

1. Gather and open image files. Images are imported into the GIS module in SMS. 1. Open local images. Load images from local computer files using the File | Open... command. Alternatively, drag and drop the file into the Graphics Window in SMS. 2. Import images from the web. 1. Import static images. Use the File | Import from Web command. Select a location in the Virtual Map Locator. Set a projection for the project using the Display Projections dialog. Use the Data Service Options dialog to select a web service or catalog. Use the Advanced options if needing to access a unique or unavailable data source. Save the data file and import the data into SMS. 2. Import dynamic images. Use the File | Add Online Maps command. Select a location in the Virtual Map Locator. Set a projection for the project using the Display Projections dialog. Use the Data Service Options dialog to select a web service or catalog. Save the data file and import the data into SMS. 2. Gather and open geometric data files. 1. Import map data. Use the File | Open... command to import map data such as Map files, boundary ID files, or boundary XY files. Alternately, drag and drop the file into the Graphics Window in SMS. 2. Import GIS data. Use the File | Open... command to import GIS data files such as Shapefiles, MIF/MID files, Lidar files, or raster files. Alternatively, drag and drop the file into the Graphics Window in SMS. 3. Import scatter data. Use File | Open... to open files with scatter data such as scatter point files, ASCII dataset files, binary dataset files, tabular data files, or XYZ files. Alternatively, drag and drop the file into the Graphics Window in SMS. Use the File Import Wizard to specify how to import the data. 4. Import CAD data. Verify the CAD file type is readable by SMS before importing it. SMS can import DXF and DWG files. Use the File | Open... command to launch the Open dialog (or drag and drop) to import the CAD files. The data should load in layers into the Project Explorer. 5. Review and set object projections. Right-click on an object in the Project Explorer and select the Projection command. Set the horizontal and vertical projection using the Object Projection dialog. To set a global projection, use the Horizontal Projection dialog.

2. Create a feature arcs, nodes and vertices.
In the map module, feature objects should be created in the active coverage. Adjust image transparency as needed to be able to clearly see feature objects as they are created. Use the Create Feature Arc File:Create Feature Arc icon.bmp tool to create arcs in the map coverage. Use the Create Feature Node File:Tool CreateVertices.GIF tool to create additional nodes alone or along arcs.

3. Edit feature objects.

Before building polygons, it's recommended that arcs be edited. Use the Create Feature Vertex File:Create Feature Vertex icon.bmp tool to add vertices along arcs. Convert vertices to nodes to create more arcs. Convert extra nodes to vertices to merge arcs. Use the Select Feature Vertex File:Select Feature Vertex icon.bmp tool and the Select Feature Node File:Select Feature Point or Node.bmp tool to adjust the shape and position of arcs. Use the Select Feature Arc File:Select Feature Arc icon.bmp tool to move entire arcs if necessary. Select multiple arcs to create arc groups. Use the Select Feature Arc Group File:Select Feature Arc Group icon.bmp tool to select and adjust entire groups of arcs. Renumber vertices on arcs.

4. Create polygons.
Polygons are not created automatically when arcs are enclosed. To create polygons: Select arcs to be converted into polygons. Can select adjoining arcs or select all arcs. Use the Build Polygons command to create polygons.