SMS:GIS to Feature Objects Wizard

GIS to Feature Objects Wizard -- Step 1 of 2

While future versions of the XMS software may be able to process some commands directly from the GIS data layers, currently the user must map all desired features as part of model development to feature objects in a map coverage. One way to do this is to convert an entire shapefile directly to a map coverage. One problem with this approach is that the extents of the GIS data layer may be much larger (i.e. an entire state) than the area of interest. In this case, it may be more efficient to select only those GIS features (points, lines, polygons) that overlay the study area and map those to feature objects in a map coverage.

Selecting the Mapping | ArcObjects → Feature Objects command (with an ArcObjects license), or the Mapping | Shapes → Feature Objects (without an ArcObjects license) launches a mapping wizard which guides the user through the process of converting the GIS data layer features to feature objects in a map coverage. Before beginning the mapping process, first go to the map module and make sure that the currently active coverage is the coverage to map GIS data layer features to. Also, SMS will associate the GIS attributes with coverage attributes, so make sure the coverage attributes are defined before doing the conversion.

After making sure SMS will be mapping to the correct coverage, select the GIS features which overlays the study area and where the user wishes to map (this is done with the selection tool(s) in the GIS module). If wanting to map all the features, choose the Edit | Select All command, or just execute the Mapping command, and the user will be prompted if they want to convert all features since none are selected.

If ArcObjects are enabled, the user should see that the Mapping | ArcObjects → Feature Objects command is activated. Whereas if ArcObjects are not enabled, the user should see that the Mapping | Shapes → Feature Objects command is activated. After choosing the appropriate mapping command, the user should see the Mapping Wizard shown below. This wizard will guide the user through the rest of the process. The first dialog in the mapping wizard contains instructions and marks the beginning point of mapping for selected features. The first of two steps is to map the GIS attribute fields of the features to the coverage attributes. Common attribute names are automatically mapped.

The second step marks the end of the wizard and after selecting Finish all selected features will be converted to feature objects within the active coverage. Attributes of mapped fields will be saved accordingly as attributes of the feature objects.

Generic Model arc or node mapping

Users can now bring in GIS data (shapefile or MIF/MID) and convert this data to generic model node or arc attributes. First, have arc and/or node boundary conditions defined in the Generic Model. Once those are defined, the user should see them in the drop down box when mapping. Each boundary condition will contain a (on/off) item followed by parameters. Example:

• Hydro→(on/off)
• Hydro→Manning
• Hydro→Flowrate

Mapping "Hydro→(on/off)" will turn on or off the node/arc. Mapping a parameter such as "Hydro→Manning" will automatically assign the node/arc as "on" unless "Hydro→(on/off)" is explicitly mapped to "off".

Related Topics

• GIS Module