VrOne
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ON-LINE REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION CARDINAL SYSTEMS, LLC 386-439-2525 www.cardinalsystems.net |
Getting Started With VrOne
Overview
“Get the job, do it right, get it out on time, make a profit. That’s what every mapping company is about!”
- Jeff Crenshaw
Northern Division Manager
North American Mapping
VrOne is a powerful photogrammetric vector collection and editing package with image display capability. Photogrammetry today requires the mapping professional to deliver vector, image and digital terrain model (DTM) data as digital products. VrOne addresses many of the problems encountered in handling the collection, editing and plotting of vector, image and DTM data. Map update and revision may also be done with VrOne.
Features
Up to 2000 vector files may be open
Up to 2000 image files may be open
Up to 8 windows may by open (WindowsNT/2000/XP)
Runs on Windows NT/2000/XP
Supports application overlaying (see below)
Supports run-time key-ins
Time tested fast vector access and display
Fast image read and display
Supports user defined symbols and line fonts
Rich, pragmatic set of mapping applications and batch routines
Input sources
Analog photogrammetric instruments
Analytical photogrammetric instruments
Stereo softcopy
XY digitizing tablets
Mouse
Various file formats
Vector database
Designed for mapping and photogrammetry
3D double precision
10,001 data layers
Unlimited file size
Unlimited number of points on a line
48 character feature code available for each entity
32 bit non-graphic pointer
Text labels up to 512 characters
Support for 256 vector colors.
Image handling
Support for standard TIFF files with world file
Uses image pyramids
Color (24 bit) and Grayscale (8 bit) support
Images can be displayed and plotted at any scale
DTM
Embedded in VrOne
Uses points and break-lines currently in file
Adds contour and triangles into file
Models entire file(s) or current view window
Plot Formats
HPGL for vectors to old HP line plotters
HPGL/2 for vectors to current HP plotters
HPGL/2 RTL for vectors and Grayscale/Color images to current HP plotters
PostScript for vectors and Grayscale/Color
images to various systems
“Rule of thumb; if you think something is clever and sophisticated, beware – it is probably self indulgence.”
- Donald A. Norman, 1990
VrOne can be downloaded from the VrOne web page. It is possible to download from a browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer by going to the home page a pressing the Download button, entering the username and password and navigating to the desired directory.
There are two forms of VrOne installation:
Full - VrOne full installation in which all programs are installed. This is used for a new installation and most major revisions.
Patch – Used when only a few programs need to be updated.
Full Installation
The full installation is always done from an executable program. This program may be downloaded from the VrOne web page or may be delivered via CD.
The name of the executable is as follows:
vroneXXX.exe
Where XXX is the version number. For example VrOne version 2.34 would have a file name of vrone234.exe.
Once the file has been downloaded installation may be done by running this program and following the prompts.
Patch Installation
A full installation must be done before patches can be applied. All patches are delivered as zip files and can be download from the web page. Patch files should be placed in the VrOne bin directory, which is normally c:\vr\bin. Once in the proper directory, the file may be un-zipped.
VrOne Directory Structure
Following is the default VrOne directory structure:
C:\vr
This folder is the VrOne base directory. It may be necessary to place VrOne on another drive such as D: or E:. If possible the default directory of vr should be used.
C:\vr\bin
VrOne executables folder, which contains all Vr Mapping Software programs.
C:\vr\data
This folder contains VrOne data files such as:
· VrOne character sets used to draw text into the graphics windows
· The default symbol library (default.sym)
· The default screen color table (defaultscreen.ct)
· The default plotter color table (defaultplotter.ct)
· The default pen table (default.pen)
· The default Function Key file (default.fk)
· The default Macro file (default.mac)
· The default Menu Board definition file (default.mb)
· The default key pad definition file (default.kp)
· The SOCET SET VrOne mouse button definition file (vrone.acc)
· VrOne file containing the digitizing table menu board overlay (menuboard.VR)
· VrOne file containing the Polytel Keyport 300 key overlay (kp300.VR)
· VrOne file containing the Cedeq Enterpad P120 key overlay (cedeq.VR)
· Download key assignments for the Cedeq key pad (vrone.pos)
· Various .bmp images used by VrOne during runtime.
NOTE: These files are re-installed each full installation. If you wish to modify these files it is recommended that you move them to another directory or rename them.
C:\vr\hostdir
This directory contains run-time parameter files. It is delivered empty and the parameter files are created as needed by VrOne.
Running VrOne
After installation VrOne can be run by double clicking the VrOne icon or by typing vrone from a command prompt window.
Other programs such as the VrOne configuration program (vrcfig) do not have a short cut created. You may create a short cut or run these programs from a command prompt window.
Programs such as vr2cm and cm2vr require command line arguments and must be run from a command prompt window.
Release Notes
Each full installation of VrOne will contain a release notes file that will document recent changes and additions to VrOne and it’s support files and programs.
“Nothing is happening, there are no lights and everything is quiet… Oops, it’s unplugged.”
- A hardware support call, 1981
Before starting VrOne the first time the VrOne configuration program should be run to set the proper input devices and parameter files. This is not a requirement and the configuration defaults will allow VrOne to start the first time.
VrOne will start by opening the Main Window and one Graphics Window.
If the current input device is the mouse, moving the mouse across the Graphics Window should show a cursor and the coordinates in the main window should change. Pulling down the File menu and selecting Open Vr File will open a VrOne file.
Starting an Application (Command)
Pulling down a menu and selecting an item may start commands. Commands may also be started from a key-in using the command name. Each command name is the first three letters of the first two words on the pull down. For example: The command name for Insert line is InsLin. If this rule is not followed the key-in is listed after the command is parenthesis. For example: Zoom all (zooa).
The Main Window
The Main Window in VrOne contains the command pull down menus, a key-in area, two information areas, the application (command) stack, a progress bar and the coordinate display.
Commands names may be typed into the key-in area at
almost any time. The mouse must be in
the
On the border of the Main Window is shown the
active workspace and the number of workspaces currently opened.
The Graphics Window
The VrOne graphics window displays vectors and images. In Windows NT/2000/XP there may be up to 8 windows open at a time. At the top of the window is displayed the window number, the scale of the window, the number of VrOne files opened and the number of images open. Also displayed is the image pyramid scale (i.e. 1:3.10) and the first two image names.
In the lower right corner of the graphics window is
a push button that allows the setting of the display of images, image names and
image edges.
The Menu Keys Dialog
The Menu Keys Dialog window is displayed by most interactive commands. At the top of the window is the command name. The next area displays the entity parameters. This information is command dependent and normally shows where the data is to be stored on insert commands or where the data came from on edit commands.
The third area is the menu keys area. These show what functions are assigned to the 12 menu key buttons. These keys are normally mapped onto an input device such as the keypad on a digitizing tablet cursor. They are also mapped onto the 12 function keys on a standard keyboard.
Commands
Local Commands – These commands are passed to the current application (command) and are often used to modify parameters of that command. For example: If Insert Line is the current application and LAY=23 is keyed in then the current layer for Insert Line would be changed to 23.
Global Commands – These commands operate on VrOne globally. For example if SnaOn (Snap on) is keyed in then snap is turned on for all active commands. Global commands include application (command) names also such as InsLin (Insert Line).
“Everything should be as simple as possible…
But no simpler.”
- Albert Einstein
VrOne is a mapping system. It is normally used as the first step in map data collection. Although it may be used to edit vector data and generate DTM the VrOne database will normally be translated to another system for final processing. These other systems may include ARC-INFO, AutoCAD or MicroStation.
It is important that the original database is simple enough to make the job of moving the data easier. The VrOne database is an entity based non-topological structure. Although the database contains some non-graphic and extended information other CADD systems do not, it cannot be considered a true Geographic Information System. It can however prepare vector data for accurate translation to GIS and other CADD systems.
The VrOne database is a single file with all vector information contained in the one file. Support files include the symbol library and pen table (if specified). The size of the file is operating system dependent. To date, files over 500 mega-bytes have been created.
NOTE: The VrOne database is considered proprietary information to Cardinal Systems, LLC and is here for informational purposes for VrOne uses. Copyright © 2001 by Cardinal Systems, LLC.
Entity Header Information
Each VrOne entity contains the following information:
Layering is a method of logically grouping graphic data. Entities such as buildings, roads and trees will probably occupy different layers.
Range: 1 to10,001
Mode
Defines the entity type as follows:
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1 |
Line |
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2 |
Splined Line |
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3 |
Symbol |
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4 |
Text |
Arcs in VrOne are embedded in a line and contain arc flags to identify the start mid-point and end of each arc.
Range: 1 to 4
Graphic Pointer
The graphic pointer represents the display characteristics of an entity. A line will have a graphic pointer that might define it as a fence, tree or water line. A symbol will have a graphic pointer that might define it as a circle, cross or highway symbol.
Range: 1 to 60
Non-graphic Pointer
May be used to define a pointer to non-graphic data. Currently unimplemented although can be set by the user.
Range: -2 billion to 2 billion
Pen Number
Defines the color of the entity.
Range: 1 to 256
Link
Currently unimplemented although may be set by the user. Future use may include the ability to link entities together. Future use may also include the ability to represent entity ownership. For example: This sidewalk and fence belong to this house.
Range: -2 billion to 2 billion
Construction Flag
Line entities may be flagged as construction, which allows them to be turned off. This line description might be applied to hidden lines, reference lines, or other non-topological lines.
Range: 0 to 1
Feature Code
A user defined 48-character non-graphic alphanumeric field for further entity classification.
Range: 48 characters
Line Entity Information
All lines in VrOne are three-dimensional with each point containing an elevation. The number of points per line is unlimited. (Unlimited within the range of physical memory in the computer.) Each line contains an entity header and the following information for each line point:
X Y Z
Each line point is represented by a double precision three-dimensional coordinate.
Range: -1.8e307 to 1.8e307
Width
Represents the width of the line. This number defines the number of line strokes to place on each side of the centerline. The distance between the strokes is user defined.
Range: 1 to 256
Pen Code
Defines the pen up/down status to the current point as follows:
1 - Up
2 - Continue
4 - End
This allows a line to appear broken graphically but remain contiguous in the VrOne database.
Range: 1 to 4
Arc Flag
Defines the arc status of the current point as follows:
1 - Beginning or end of arc. May also be used to define point of reverse curve (PRC).
2 - Mid point on the arc
3 - Point on the arc
Range: 1 to 3
Code
Commonly used to define cross section codes such as top of bank, bottom of bank and edge of road. Cross sectioning has been largely replaced by DTM over the last several years and VrOne does not support cross sectioning.
Range: 0 to 255
Flag
System defined bit encoded flags. This field is not user definable.
Range: 0 to 255
Symbol Entity Information
Each symbol entity contains an entity header and the following information:
X Y Z
Double precision three-dimensional coordinate.
Range: -1.8e307 to
1.8e307
Radius
Symbol radius in ground units.
Range: -1.8e307 to
1.8e307
Rotation
Symbol rotation expressed counter-clockwise from the X-axis in decimal radians.
Range: 0 – 2 * p. This value will be entered and displayed by VrOne as decimal degrees with a range of 0 to 360.
Text Entity Information
Each text entity in VrOne may contain up to 512 characters. Each text entity contains an entity header and the following information:
X Y Z
Double precision three-dimensional coordinate.
Range: -1.8e307 to
1.8e307
Justification X
Text justification along the X-axis
1 – Left
2 – Center
3 – Right
4 –
Justification Y
Text justification along the Y-axis
1 – Lower
2 – Center
3 – Upper
Range: 1 to 3
Font Number
Text font to be used when drawing text.
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1 |
CI |
Complex Italic |
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2 |
CR |
Complex Roman |
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3 |
CS |
Complex Script |
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4 |
DR |
Duplex Roman |
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5 |
GE |
Gothic English |
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6 |
GG |
Gothic German |
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7 |
GI |
Gothic Italic |
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8 |
HS |
Standard |
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9 |
SR |
Simplex Roman |
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10 |
SS |
Simplex Script |
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11 |
TI |
Triplex Italic |
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12 |
TR |
Triplex Roman |
Height
Text height in ground units.
Range: -1.8e307 to 1.8e307
Width
Width of one text character in ground units.
Range: -1.8e307 to 1.8e307
Rotation
Text rotation expressed counter-clockwise from the X-axis in decimal radians.
Range: 0 – 2 * p. This value will be entered and displayed by VrOne as decimal degrees with a range of 0 to 360.
Slant
Text slant.
Example: This text is
slanted
Range: 0 – p. This value will be entered and displayed by VrOne as decimal degrees with a range of 0 to 180.
“Hay don’t you remember, you called me Al…”
- Song from the depression era
VrOne commands are the heart of the system. While these commands are available from the pull-down menus in VrOne they are also available as key-ins. Key-in commands may be entered real-time or may be placed in macros and placed in function keys. See List of Commands for a list of the VrOne commands.
“The art of mapping is the art of organizing complexity.”
- Anonymous
Function keys are the most important aspect of VrOne data collection. Taking the time to properly set up function keys before a project has started will save hundreds of hours of production time.
In many ways VrOne is just another CADD system. It has an insert line command and it has an insert symbol command. And so does every other mapping system.
Function keys are the method of making a mapping system out from a CADD system. Instead of using insert line to place a road, the operator will used a mapping key such as PavedRoad. PavedRoad will assign all the desired parameters and behavior to Insert Line and start it.
Function keys reduce the amount of knowledge the mapping professional needs to know about VrOne. They simply choose the feature they want to collect and go.
Entering its name or function key number may start a function key. These names or numbers may be keyed in, placed in macros or even placed in other function keys.
The name of the function key file to use must be set in the VrOne configuration program (vrcfig). It is possible to have multiple function key files but only one can be active at a time.
Creating and Editing Function Keys
In the above dialog box a function key called Building is being created. The line that is placed by this function key will be a squared, un-fonted white line placed in layer 19.
Function Keys
Lists the currently defined function keys. A key may be selected and its parameters will be displayed to the right.
Key name
This is the name of the function key and may be used to start the function key. This name may be keyed in, placed in a macro or on another function key.
Key num
Function keys may also be numbered. This number may be entered to start the function key. This is useful when a menu board is not available and function keys must be started from the system keyboard.
Vr function
Defines the VrOne application to start when the key is executed. The proper Line, Symbol or Text tab will be selected depending on the type of VrOne command selected.
Desc
This is the function key description and is for information only.
Line Tab
Line parameters that will be assigned when the function key is executed.
Symbol Tab
Symbol parameters that will be assigned when the function key is executed.
Text Tab
Text parameters that will be assigned when the function key is executed.
Local Arguments
These commands will be executed when the function key is started. Normally local commands are placed here. For example, if the Insert Symbol command is started by a key and the symbol rotation needs to be turned on then ROTMODE=1 would be entered on the Arguments line. Multiple commands may be entered separated by a comma.
Global Arguments
These commands will be executed when the function key is started and when the function key is woken up after being overlaid. Normally global commands are place here. (See the On End Example)
For example, consider the state of a global command such as snap:
· Contour is started and it sets snap to end point (SnaEnd).
· Drive overlays Contour and sets snap to intersect (SnaInt).
· Drive is terminated and Contour wakes up and becomes active.
· Since snap is global, the state is snap is now intersect. This is a state that Contour did not intend.
Placing SnaEnd in the Wake up command of Contour ensures the state of this global parameter is what is expected.
Assoc cmd
Associate commands allow function keys to be linked. In many cases there may be several function keys used to insert a certain map feature. One might put in a line and another may put in text.
For example, consider the operation of inserting a parking area. This feature consists of line that will define the parking edge and a text label of “Parking Area”. There are two function keys defined which are ParkLine and ParkText. The associate command 1 of ParkLine has be set to ParkText as follows:
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Assoc cmd1 |
ParkText |
· ParkLine is started and the parking lot edge is collected.
· Ac1 is keyed in and the ParkText starts and “Parking Area” is labeled.
· ParkText is terminated and ParkLine continues collecting the parking lot edge.
On end cmd
The on end command allows one function key to execute a key-in, a macro or another function key each time an entity is saved. (See the On End Example)
For example, consider a spot elevation. This feature consists of a symbol and a text label. There are two function keys defined as follows:
SpotX Places the spot elevation X.
SpotElev Places the elevation of the previously read symbol.
The On end command of SpotElev is set as follows:
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On end cmd |
SpotText |
When the spot elevation symbol is placed, the On End command will start Spot Text.
The On end command of SpotText is set as follows:
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On end cmd |
Pop |
The Pop command tells VrOne to terminate the current application (command) that is at the top of the application stack.
· SpotElev is started and the spot elevation location is digitized.
· SpotText starts automatically and the elevation of the first point is labeled.
· SpotText terminates due to the On end Pop statement
· SpotElev wakes up and the next spot elevation is ready to be read.
There are more parameters that would need to be set to make the spot elevation functions keys work as expected but the above example shows how to chain function keys together.
On quit cmd
The on quit command will be executed when the function key application ends. This field may consist of key-ins, macros or other function keys. On quit commands are commonly used to set global parameters to a know state when an application ends. For example, if a function key was snapping to existing entities to obtain elevations, the on quit command may be used to turn snapping off.
“Become proficient in another language – or at least get the tapes and try.”
- Richard A. Moran
Macros give the ability to execute a group of VrOne commands as a single word. Macros can execute VrOne commands, function keys and other macros.
It is common to use macros to condition snap parameters and with 10,001 layers; it is useful for turning groups of layers on and off.
In the following example a macro called “Join” has been created which copies a demo VrOne file and displays it in a window at a defined location, rotation and scale.
It is possible to have a macro start an application (command) such as Insert Line and then condition the local parameters but Function Keys were designed to do this operation.