SMS:Map Module

Map Module
Map
Feature Objects
Coverages
More
Map Module Interface
Map Display Options
Map Module Tools
Feature Objects Menu
Map Project Explorer

At a Glance

• Create and edit GIS like data
• Used to create conceptual models as well as data for other purposes
• Conceptual model is a geometry (mesh/grid) independent representation of the numeric model domain and/or boundary conditions
• Conceptual models can be converted to model geometry and boundary conditions
• Conceptual model makes it easier to create, edit, and alter models

The Map Module provides tools for creating, managing and editing feature objects. Feature objects are geometric entities, meaning they have a defined position or shape, and the attributes associated with those entities. The simplest feature object is a feature point, which defines a single location. Increasing in complexity, the next GIS object is an arc, which defines a line or polyline. Areas enclosed by polylines can be classified as a feature polygon.

Feature objects with related attributes are grouped into layers or coverages. The coverage definition includes a “type” that determines the attributes available for the objects in the coverage. See the list of coverage types to learn about the attributes associated with objects in that specific coverage.

The principal application of coverages in the SMS is to facilitate the representation of a numerical simulation in a representation that is independent of a specific discretization (a specific set of nodes and elements or cells). This allows the modeler to interact with a much smaller set of entities and reduces redundant effort in the modeling process.

A secondary application of coverages is to define geometric objects for data extraction from numerical model results.

The Map Module also provides the tools to create and edit GIS like data and conceptual models as well as data for other purposes. Conceptual model is a geometry (mesh/grid) independent representation of the numeric model domain and/or boundary conditions and they can be converted to model geometry and boundary conditions. Conceptual model is also a high level representation used to define attributes used in the Mesh or Cartesian Grid generation process such as bathymetry source, materials information, and boundary conditions.

The Map Module is included with all paid editions of SMS.

Conceptual Model

A conceptual model is a high level representation used to define attributes used in the Mesh or Cartesian Grid generation process such as:

• Bathymetry source
• Materials information
• Boundary conditions

Creating Feature Objects

Feature objects are the building blocks of a conceptual model. They define the geometric shapes, locations and extents of objects in the model. There are several mechanisms for creating feature objects including:

• Extracting feature arcs from the contours of a scatter set. See Scatter Contour to Feature for more information.
• Importing from a web data source such as a coastline database. See Import from Web for more information.
• Importing from CAD data.
• Interactive definition (digitizing) using the Map Module Tools.
• Creation as a stamped feature to define built up embankment or dredged channels.

Elevations of Feature Objects

Types of feature objects

In the Map Module, feature objects such as nodes, points, vertices, and arcs can all have an associated elevation attribute (z-value). Each of these objects plays a distinct role in defining map geometry:

• Node: A point located at the beginning or end of an arc. Nodes represent key locations in the feature network, such as endpoints, intersections, or control points.
• Vertex: A point along the interior of an arc, used to shape the arc's path. Vertices do not exist independently and are a part of an arc's geometry.
• Arc: A linear feature made up of a sequence of connected nodes and vertices. Arcs represent linear geographic features like streams, roads, or boundaries.
• Point: A standalone feature (not a part of an arc) used to represent isolated locations such as wells or sample points.

Elevation Assignment

Each of these feature objects—nodes, vertices, arcs, and points—can store an elevation value (z-value). There are several ways to assign or update these elevations:

• Manual Elevation Assignment:
  • Elevations can be directly assigned to individual nodes, vertices, or points.
  • Alternatively, assigning an elevation to an entire arc automatically updates the z-values of all nodes and vertices that define the arc.

Note: This assignment will override any previously assigned elevations on those nodes or vertices.

• Interpolation from a Scatter Set:
  • Elevations can also be assigned using data from the Scatter Module. In this method, each node, vertex, point, and arc receives a z-value interpolated from a scatter dataset.
  • For arcs, interpolation is performed at the midpoint of the arc.
• Digitizing with Default Elevation:
  • When digitizing new feature objects in the Map Module (e.g., creating new nodes, vertices, or map points), a default elevation value is automatically assigned. Initially, this value is set to 0.0.
  • If a specific elevation is manually assigned to a newly created feature (e.g., entering a z-value for a node), that value becomes the new default for all subsequent digitized objects in the session.

Note: When digitizing mesh nodes, users can choose to be prompted for an elevation each time. However, this prompt is not available for scatter vertices or standard Map Module objects.

• Conversion to Scatter Set:
  • When converting a map coverage to a scatter dataset, users can choose between using:
    • the elevations assigned to arcs, or
    • the elevations assigned to individual nodes and vertices.
  • An additional option allows use of arc spacing, which controls how many points are generated, but does not affect elevation values.

Functionalities

See the article Map Module Display Options.

Project Explorer

The following Project Explorer right-click menus are available when the right-click is performed on a Map Module item.

Map Module Root Folder Right-Click Menus

Right-clicking on the Map Module root folder in the Project Explorer invokes an options menu with the following options:

• New Coverage – Opens the New Coverage dialog.
• New Folder – Creates a new folder in the Map Module root folder.
• Clear Coverages – Deletes all coverages.
• Display Options – Opens the Display Options dialog.

Coverage Item Right-Click Menus

Right-clicking on a Map item in the Project Explorer invokes an options menu with general right-click commands and the following module specific options:

• Export – Allows exporting the feature objects in the coverage as a shapefile.
• Projections – Brings up the a Projection dialog to set the projection for the coverage. This will only set a projection for the coverage and will not be applied to other objects.
• Zoom to Coverage – Frames the Graphics window around the feature objects created in the coverage.
• Type – Change the coverage type.

Right-click options for the coverage typically includes options applicable only to the specific coverage type.

Menus

The following types of menus are available in the Map Module:

• Standard Menus – see SMS Menus for more information.
• Module Specific Menus – see Feature Objects Menu for more information.

Tools

The Map Module has a number of tools that are specific for creating and manipulating feature objects. See the article Map Module Tools for more information.

Related Coverages

The attributes of entities on a coverages belong to a list of attributes associated with a type of coverage. For more information see the article Coverages.