Editing Map Layer Components

Vector map layers are made up of a set of components that can be individually edited for both style and geometry.

Important considerations when editing vector map layer components

·The vector layer needs to be selected in the Layers List.

·The selected layer needs to be visible before component geometries can be edited:

·When the selected layer is visible, components of that layer can be selected from within the map view using the mouse pointer in select mode. Menu operations are available via the component in the map view or within the component list.

·If the selected map layer is a generated layer, all changes to individual components will be lost when the map project is rebuilt. Creating a duplicate of a map layer via the duplicate menu option will create a non-generated copy that can be safely edited.

·By default, individual components do not have any explicit visual style attached. Instead, the style is taken from the map layer style. Setting a style for an individual component overrides the style for that component. Use the clear style button to remove a style from a component, so that the style is once again inherited from the layer.

Selecting Components for Editing

To select a component for editing, either click the required row within the component list or select the component in the map view using the left mouse button in select mode. When a component is selected in the map view, it is shown with a yellow line/fill:

The component's right-click menu is available from either the map or component list views.

Editing Component Styles

When a vector layer is selected in the Layers List, the layer style and components list is shown:

Each component is represented as a row in the components list, with quick-access style controls available within the row. The controls shown depends on which type of vector layer is being edited, but can include:

1. Fill Colour

Fill colour is shown for polygon and isobath components.

2, 3. Line Colour and With

Line colour and width are shown in the components list for polylines, contours and polygons. These settings are not shown in the list for isobaths due to space constraints but are available to edit via the right-button menu.

4. Clear Style

Clear the style for this component. This function clears all styles associated with the component, and means that the component's styles will all be inherited from the map layer.

The Edit Style Window

The Edit Style Window contains the edit and clear style controls for a single component.

·To open the Edit Style Window, use the right mouse button menu and select Edit Style.

·Use this window when editing individual isobath line (border) width and colour, as these options are not available in the component list.

Editing Component Geometries

Component geometries can be edited by adding, deleting or moving points that belong to the component's polyline or polygon.

Note that the component's map layer must be visible before the geometry can be edited.

To edit a component's geometry open the component's menu by right-clicking on the component within either list or map view:

The points that make up the polygon (shell and holes) or polyline are displayed as red squares, and the mouse is put into draw mode, which is represented by a pencil icon:

·Changes to the geometry are not saved until the Save button is clicked at the end of the editing session.

·Changes can be discarded by clicking the Cancel button.

·When the mouse cursor is moved around the map view, yellow indicator lines are drawn to show where a new point will be inserted.

·When there are no points selected, new points will be added between the closest two existing points.

·Existing points can be selected by moving the mouse cursor over them and clicking with the left button:

·Existing points can be moved by dragging with the mouse, with the left mouse button held down.

·When an existing point is selected, new points always join to the selected point. Newly inserted points themselves become selected, allowing for continuous paths to be drawn.

·Press and hold the left mouse button whilst moving the mouse to draw a continuous path of points.

·To delete a point, either select the point and use the DELETE key, or use the right-button menu Delete function.

·The position of a point can be entered explicitly. Open the Edit Point window by either double-clicking on the point of interest, or right-clicking the point and selecting the menu option Edit:

Adding New Components

To add a new component to a map layer, click the Add New button in the layer edit panel, use the right-click menu option New Component in the components list or press CONTROL+N whilst the map layer is selected for editing. The component editing toolbar will be shown, and the component can be drawn within the map view. The component must be saved at the end of the editing session.

Copying and Pasting Components

One or more components can be copied to the clipboard, so that they can be pasted into other map layers.

To copy components to the clipboard, select one or more components in the either the list or map views and press CONTROL+C or use the right-click Copy menu option.

Components can be pasted into any compatible map layer:

·Contours can be pasted in contour or polyline map layers. If a contour is pasted into a polyline map layer, the value information is lost.

·Polylines can be pasted into other polyline layers.

·Isobaths can be pasted into isobath or polygon layers. If an isobath is pasted into a polygon map layer, the value information is lost.

·Polygons can be pasted into other polygon layers.

Pasting components into Map Boundaries

Any component type can be pasted into the tracks and boundaries map view for use as a map boundary. When pasting polygons, the shell and any holes are converted into polylines.

To use existing map components as map boundaries, copy the components to the clipboard from the map view, switch project views to tracks and boundaries and then paste the components. Each component will appear as a separate new map boundary.