Create Shapes

The Create Shapes tool is used to construct simple or complex shapes from linear elements that share consecutive common endpoints and together define or infer a closed area. A newly created shape is a copy of the original line work. It is assigned the active line color, weight, and level.

To use this tool, the following must be considered:

Linear elements must not overlap or cross over themselves or other lines.
All lines must be segmented wherever they meet other lines. It is strongly suggested that unnecessary segmentation be avoided.
Boundaries must form closed networks to enable the inference of areas. Open junctions, dangles or duplicate linework are not permitted.
There should only be one linear element where a common boundary exists between two areas. A single boundary line that separates two coverage areas is associated with both areas. A boundary line for each coverage area is not needed. This helps minimize file size and eliminates problems associated with duplicate boundaries.
All linear elements should be area boundaries.
All areas within a single coverage must be exclusive and cannot overlap. Every point within a coverage theme falls unambiguously into only one area.
Each area must contain a centroid for a shape to be created successfully. A centroid is a single piece of text, text node, cell or point that defines the interior of an area. Only one centroid should be interior to a set of lines that would define a shape. A centroid often has a database linkage which defines the properties for the created shape. This database linkage would be used with the Associate Linkages tool.

Setting	Description
Force Complex	If on, a complex shape is created. A complex shape preserves the original linear elements as distinct elements. If off, a simple shape is created. A simple shape is formed by combining several distinct linear elements into a single element. This occurs if the original linear elements that define the shape have less than 100 vertices. A complex shape is created if the original elements have more than 100 vertices. Note: Centroids and boundaries are required to create shapes. Note: Force Complex preserves the original linear elements as distinct elements.

Setting

Description

Force Complex

If on, a complex shape is created. A complex shape preserves the original linear elements as distinct elements.

If off, a simple shape is created. A simple shape is formed by combining several distinct linear elements into a single element. This occurs if the original linear elements that define the shape have less than 100 vertices. A complex shape is created if the original elements have more than 100 vertices.

Note: Centroids and boundaries are required to create shapes.

Note: Force Complex preserves the original linear elements as distinct elements.

To create shapes from boundaries and centroids:

Place a fence around the source linework.
Select the Create Shapes tool.
If needed, enable Force Complex .
Initiate the processing with a datapoint.

Key-in: FENCE CREATE SHAPES