SMS:Scatter Data Tools
The following tools are contained in the Dynamic Tools portion of the Tool Palette when the Scatter Module is active.
File:SelectScatterPoint.jpgSelect Scatterpoints
The Select Scatterpoints tool is used to select scatter points (also known as vertices). A single point is selected by clicking on it. A second point can be added to the selection list by holding the SHIFT key while selecting it. Multiple points can be selected at once by dragging a box around them. A selected point can be deselected by holding the SHIFT key as it is clicked.
Scatter points are locked so they are not accidently dragged. When a single point is selected, its location is shown in the Edit Window. The X, Y, and Z coordinates can be changed by typing in the edit field. For the Z coordinate, the active scalar function is updated when the Z coordinate changes. If multiple points are selected, the Z Coordinate field in the Edit Window becomes available. The value shown is the average scalar value of all selected points. If this value is changed, the new value will be assigned to all selected points.
With one point selected, the Edit Window shows the point id number. With two points selected, the Edit Window shows both point id numbers and the distance between the points. With multiple points selected, the Edit Window shows the number of selected points.
One or more scatter points can be deleted by pushing the Delete button or by going to Edit | Delete. Triangles attached to the deleted scatter points are deleted and the new void can be retriangulated.
File:SelectMeshElement.jpgSelect Triangle
The Select Triangle tool is used to select triangles. A single triangle is selected by clicking inside it. A second triangle can be added to the selection list by holding the SHIFT key while selecting it. Multiple triangles can be selected at once by dragging a box around them. Holding the CTRL key and dragging the mouse selects any triangles through which the line is drawn. A selected triangle can be deselected by holding the SHIFT key as it is clicked.
With one triangle selected, the Edit Window shows the triangle id number, its area, and its volume (area times average scalar value of the points connected to triangle). With multiple triangles selected, the Edit Window shows the number of selected triangles and their combined area and volume.
File:CreateLinearMeshTriangle.jpgCreate Triangle
Most triangles in SMS will be created using automatic triangulation. At times, however, it is necessary to create a triangle, especially after deleting triangles.
To create a single triangle:
Click on the corner points which will make the triangle, one-by-one. As each point is clicked, it becomes highlighted.
Alternatively, a box can be dragged around the points which will make the triangle. The triangle will not be formed if more than three points are selected. Before a new triangle is created, SMS checks if the new triangle will overlap other triangles. If this check fails, the new triangle is not created.
File:SwapEdgeMesh.jpgSwap Triangle Edge
The Swap Edges tool is used to manually swap the edges of two adjacent triangles. This is useful in such cases as avoiding an artificial dam in a channel.
