Vector: On-Line Manual

Vector
O N - L I N E M A N U A L
Copyright  1982 - 1999 by ERDAS, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Warning
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Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Vector On-Line Manual
Vector Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Clean Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Build Vector Layer Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Copy Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
External Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Rename Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Delete Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
VectorInfo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Subset Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mosaic Polygon Coverages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Transform Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Creating an Output Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Create Polygon Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Raster to Vector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Vector to Raster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Table Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Import ASCII File To Point Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Vector Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
iii
Vector Tools (Large Format) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Vector Tools and Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Vector Tools and Commands (Large Format) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Vector Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Vector Attribute Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Column Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Merge Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Export Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Select Vector Symbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Save Symbology As ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Symbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Edit Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Number of Symbology Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Equation Evaluation Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Equal Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Equal Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Unique Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
iv
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Save Layer As ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Create New Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Edit Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Open Info Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Save Table As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Add Rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Add Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
New Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Copy Info Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rename Info Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Delete Info Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Merge Info Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Relate Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Edit Relate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Creating New Relate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Open New Relates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Save Relates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
v
Define Projection Parameters of the Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Re-Project Coverage Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Specify a Clip Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Specify a Template Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Raster to ARC/INFO Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Convert Vector Layer to Raster Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
vi
Vector Utilities
Vector Utilities
This dialog gives you access to the vector utilities. To access this dialog, click on the Vector icon
on the ERDAS IMAGINE icon panel
☞ Do NOT run any vector utility on a vector layer which is currently opened in a Viewer. Close
the vector layer first.
☞ (PC Only) Do not set the Scratch File Directory to an old PC Arc/Info (pre 3.5, using
VectorInfo for attributes) workspace when it contains old PC coverage data. Some vector
utility programs such as Mosaic Polygon Layers may convert it into a new workspace (Unix
Arc/Info workspace), which results in ERDAS IMAGINE being unable to read the old PC
coverages in that workspace. If this happens, remove the “arc.dir” file from the “info” directory
to convert it back to an old workspace.
You can set the Scratch File Directory in the Vector preferences.
☞ (Windows NT Only) PC coverages (pre-3.5 and 3.5.x) can be displayed and edited, but they
cannot be built or cleaned in ERDAS IMAGINE. This is because most vector utilities (all
except Copy, Rename, Delete, and External) are not implemented for PC coverages. All
vector importers (DXF, DLG, TIGER, etc.) generate UNIX coverages only.
i (PC Only) ERDAS IMAGINE can work with three different versions of Arc/Info coverages (PC
pre-3.5, PC 3.5 and plus, and UNIX coverages). To avoid confusion, do not mix them in the
same workspace.
When running Vector Utility programs or Vector Importers that generate output coverage(s)
(such as Clean, Mosaic, Import DXF), do not write the output coverages into a PC pre-3.5
workspace, because the output are UNIX coverages.
If such a mixture occurs, copy (use Copy Vector Layer utility) the UNIX coverages to a proper
workspace, then rename the arc.dir file in the info directory of the original workspace to an
arbitrary name like junk.dir to repair the workspace.
How to recognize different versions of coverages:

1. PC 3.5 and plus coverage: It contains files with the .dbf extension.
2. UNIX coverages: The info directory contains a file named arc.dir (version 7.x) or arcdr9
(version pre-7.0), or it contains files with the .adf extension (version 7.x).
3. PC Pre-3.5 coverages: The info directory contains a file named arc.dr9
1
Vector Utilities
Clean Vector Layer... Click to create topology for a polygon or line vector layer. The
Clean Vector Layer dialog is opened.
This option should be used only if the Build Vector Layer Topology function is inadequate.
☞ The Clean Vector Layer... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Build Vector Layer Topology... Click to create the topology for a polygon, point, line,
or node vector layer. The Build Vector Layer Topology dialog is opened.
☞ The Build Vector Layer Topology... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Copy Vector Layer... Click to copy a vector layer. The Copy Vector Layer dialog is
opened.
External Vector Layer... Click to correct the external file path names for a vector layer’s
INFO files. The External Vector Layer dialog is opened.
Rename Vector Layer... Click to rename a vector layer. The Rename Vector Layer
dialog is opened.
Delete Vector Layer... Click to delete a vector layer and attribute information. The
Delete Vector Layer dialog is opened.
Display Vector Layer Info... Click to display information about a vector layer. You can
also add projection information to a vector layer or reproject a vector layer using this option.
The Vector Info dialog is opened.
This option is similar to the Image Info utility for viewing information about raster data.
Subset Vector Layer... Click to create a new vector layer by specifying the layer to
subset and a clip coverage. The Subset Vector Layer dialog is opened.
☞ The Subset Vector Layer... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Mosaic Polygon Layers... Click to mosaic up to 500 polygon layers together. The
Mosaic Polygon Coverages dialog is opened.
☞ The Mosaic Polygon Layers... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Transform Vector Layer... Click to warp a vector layer from digitizer coordinates to
real-world coordinates based on a set of control points (tics). The Transform Vector Layer
dialog is opened.
2
Vector Utilities
☞ The Transform Vector Layer... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Create Polygon Labels... Click to create label points for a polygon coverage. The
Create Polygon Labels dialog is opened.
☞ The Create Polygon Labels... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Raster to Vector... Click to convert a raster layer to a vector layer. The Raster to Vector
dialog is opened.
☞ The Raster to Vector... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Vector to Raster... Click to convert a vector layer to a raster layer. The Vector to Raster
dialog is opened.
☞ The Vector to Raster... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Start Table Tool... Click to view or edit the INFO table. The Table Tool dialog is opened.
☞ The Start Table Tool... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Zonal Attributes... Click to extract the zonal statistics of the background image of a
polygon coverage and save them as polygon attributes. The Save Zonal Statistics To
Polygon Attributes dialog is opened.
ASCII to Point Vector Layer... Click to create a point coverage from an ASCII file. The
Import ASCII File To Point Coverage dialog is opened.
☞ The ASCII to Point Vector Layer... utility is not available under Windows 95.
Close Click to close this dialog.
Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

➲ For information on using the ERDAS IMAGINE graphical interface, see the on-line IMAGINE
Interface manual.
➲ For step-by-step instructions on using the IMAGINE Vector module, see the ERDAS
IMAGINE Tour Guides manual.
3
Clean Vector Layer
Clean Vector Layer

The Clean utility enables you to construct topology for an ERDAS IMAGINE vector layer. Clean
processes lines and polygons. It also creates intersections (nodes) where lines cross. Clean is
a slower process than the Build Vector Layer Topology utility, but should be used if the layer
has undergone major edits.
☞ Do NOT clean a coverage while it is opened in the Windows Explorer. (Windows only)
☞ Do NOT clean a coverage while it is opened in the Viewer.
If the input file contains attribute information, it is automatically updated. If the layer does not
contain attribute information, it is created.
☞ Build or Clean must be run on all layers that are imported into ERDAS IMAGINE from other
sources, such as DLG, DXF, TIGER, etc.
This dialog is opened when you click on Clean Vector Layer in the Vector Utilities dialog.
☞ Clean Vector Layer is not available under Windows 98 or Windows 2000.

☞ In ERDAS IMAGINE filename parts, you can enter a wildcard with the following extensions
to search for ARC/INFO data:
*.arcinfo to search for ARC/INFO coverages (IMAGINE vector layers)

*.grid to search for GRIDs
*.stk to search for a stack of GRIDs
*.vpf to search for VPF data
*.wksp to search for workspaces
These are not the actual file extensions used on these files. They are simply cues that tell
IMAGINE the type of data for which you are searching.
Input Coverage: Enter the file name of the input vector layer to clean.
Write to New Output. Click this check box to create a new output file. If this option is
selected, you must enter the new output file name in the file name part, otherwise the file
name part is disabled.
4
Clean Vector Layer
Feature: Click on this popup list to select the type of feature contained in the layer that
you want to clean.
Polygon The layer to clean contains polygons.
Line The layer to clean contains lines.
Fuzzy Tolerance: Specify the minimum distance between the line vertices in the output
layer. An intelligent default is calculated for you.
Negative values and 0 are not accepted.
Dangle Length: Specify the minimum length allowed for dangling lines in the output
layer. The default is 0.
OK Click to run this process with the options selected and close this dialog.
Batch Click to include this process in a batch file.
Cancel Click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
5
Build Vector Layer Topology

The Build utility allows you to construct topology for an ERDAS IMAGINE vector layer. Build
processes points, lines, and polygons. Build is faster than Clean. It recognizes only existing
intersections, therefore it does not create intersections as the Clean Vector Layer utility does.
If there are any new intersections to be created, Build will not work. In these cases, use Clean
instead.
☞ Do NOT build a coverage while it is opened in the Windows Explorer. (Windows only)
☞ Do NOT build a coverage while it is opened in the Viewer.
If the input file contains attribute information, it is automatically updated. If the layer does not
contain attribute information, it is created.
☞ Build or Clean must be run on all layers that are imported into ERDAS IMAGINE from other
sources, such as DLG, DXF, TIGER, etc.
This dialog is opened when you click on Build Vector Layer Topology in the Vector Utilities
dialog.
☞ Build Vector Layer Topology is not available under Windows 95.


Input Coverage: Enter the file name of the input vector layer to build.
Feature: Click on this popup list to select the type of feature topology to build for this layer.
6
Polygon Build polygon topology, creating or updating polygon attributes from the lines
and label points in the coverage.
Line Build line topology, creating or updating line attributes from the lines in the
coverage.
Point Build point topology, creating or updating point attributes from the points in the
coverage.

Interface manual.
7
Copy Vector Layer
Copy Vector Layer

ERDAS IMAGINE vector layers are based on the ARC/INFO Data Model. Since these are not
simple files, but rather directories that contain several files, this utility is provided so that you can
easily copy vector layers.
This dialog is opened when you click on Copy Vector Layer in the Vector Utilities dialog.

Vector Layer to Copy: Enter the name of the vector layer to copy.
Output Vector Layer: Enter the name of the new output vector layer.

Interface manual.
8
External Vector Layer
External Vector Layer

This utility corrects the external file path names for a vector layer’s INFO files. When a vector
coverage (or GRID file) is copied or moved to another place, the path names for the external files
in the INFO directory are no longer correct. Use this function to update the path names. If the
INFO directory is not copied to the same directory, this utility will create an INFO directory. User-
generated attribute files will be lost so it is advisable to use the Copy Vector Layer option of the
Vector Utilities menu to move the coverage around instead of using system commands. Also, do
not externalize the coverage while the Viewer is trying to read and display it.
This dialog is opened when you click on External Vector Layer in the Vector Utilities dialog.

Vector Layer to External: Enter the file name of the geographic data set (coverage or
GRID) whose INFO external file path names are to be corrected.

Interface manual.
9
Rename Vector Layer
Rename Vector Layer

easily rename vector layers.
This dialog is opened when you click on Rename Vector Layer in the Vector Utilities dialog.
☞ Do NOT rename a coverage while it is opened in the Windows Explorer. (Windows only)
☞ You must rename layers to the same directory as the original layer. If you specify a new
directory it will be ignored.

Vector Layer to Rename: Enter the file name of the vector layer that you want to
rename.
Output Vector Layer: Enter the new name for the vector layer.

Interface manual.
10
Delete Vector Layer
Delete Vector Layer

easily delete vector layers.
☞ Make sure that the coverage is not displayed in the Windows Explorer before deleting it.
(Windows only)
☞ Make sure that the coverage is not displayed in the Viewer before deleting it.
This dialog is opened when you click on Delete Vector Layer in the Vector Utilities dialog.

Vector Layer to Delete: Enter the vector layer that you would like to delete.
Type of Deletion: Use this popup list to indicate which information to delete.
All This option deletes the vector layer, its attribute tables, and all INFO files whose
prefixes are the same as the vector layer.
ARC This option will delete the vector layer and its attribute tables.
INFO This option deletes all INFO files in the layer’s workspace INFO directory whose
prefixes are the same as the layer specified. The vector layer geometry will not be deleted.
11
Delete Vector Layer
Interface manual.
12
VectorInfo
VectorInfo
This dialog enables you to view information about vector coverages, as well as change or define
coverage projection information. It is similar to the Image Info utility for raster layers.
i (PC Only) If you have used VectorInfo to edit and store attributes of a PC Arc/Info coverage
(pre version 3.5), build or clean it before displaying it in PC Arcplot so that all edits are cor-
rectly reflected.
This dialog is opened when you click on Display Vector Layer Info... in the Vector Utilities
menu.
This dialog is also opened with current information displayed when you select Utility | Layer
Info... in the Viewer menu bar or click on the icon in the toolbar when a vector layer is the
top layer in the Viewer.
File Click to select a coverage to view, print, or to close Vector Info.

Open ... Click to open a coverage to view. The File Selector dialog is opened.
New ... Click to open a new Vector Info dialog.
Print Click to print vector layer information.
Close Click to close the current Vector Info dialog.
Close All Click to close all open Vector Info windows.
Edit Click to change or define coverage projection information.

Add Coverage Projections ... Click to define the projection of the coverage. The Define
Projection Parameters of the Coverage dialog is opened.
Re-project the Coverage ... Click to re-project the coverage coordinates to a new
projection system. The Re-project Coverage Coordinates dialog is opened.

Help for VectorInfo Click to view On-Line Help for Vector Info.
Click to open a vector coverage to view. The File Selector dialog is opened.
Click to close the Vector Info dialog.
13
VectorInfo
Click to print the vector information.
Click to close this Vector Info window.
General Tab
Arcs, Polygons: Information about arcs and polygons is reported in this group.
Arcs: The number of arcs in this coverage is reported.
Polygons: The number of polygons in this coverage is reported.
Segments: The number of segments in the coverage is reported.
Poly. Topology: Indicates whether polygon topology is Present or Absent.
Arc Attr. Data: Indicates the number of bytes of the arc attribute data.
Poly Attr. Data: Indicates the number of bytes of the polygon attribute data.
Status: Reports the status of the coverage and indicates whether it has, or needs, to be
built or cleaned.
Other Features: This group provides information about the nodes, labels, and tics in the
coverage.
Nodes: The number of nodes in the coverage is reported.
Label Points: The number of label points in the coverage is reported.
Node Attr. Data: Indicates the number of bytes of the node attribute data.
Point Attr. Data: Indicates the number of bytes of the point attribute data.
Tics: Lists the number of tics in the coverage.
Tolerance: This group reports the fuzzy tolerance and dangle length tolerance of the
coverage.
Fuzzy: The fuzzy tolerance of the coverage is reported as either Verified or Unverified.
14
VectorInfo
Dangle: The dangling length tolerance is reported as Verified or Unverified. Verified

signifies that this coverage has been processed using this tolerance and therefore reflects
the actual resolution of the coordinates. Otherwise, the tolerance is unverified.
Boundary: This group reports information about the boundary of the coverage.
Xmin: The minimum X value in the coverage is reported.
Ymin: The minimum Y value in the coverage is reported.
Xmax: The maximum X value in the coverage is reported.
Ymax: The maximum Y value in the coverage is reported.
Projection Info: Projection information, if present, is listed in this group.

If this information is not present, it can be added by selecting Edit | Add Coverage
Projections... or changed by selecting Edit | Re-project the Coverage ....
Georeferenced to: The map projection to which this coverage is referenced is listed.
Spheroid: The name of the spheroid is listed.
Zone Number: For coverages registered to State Plane, the zone number is listed.
Datum: The datum used is reported.
Map Units: The map units used in the coverage are reported.
Projection Tab
This tab displays the parameters of the projection of the image. The parameters will vary
depending on the projection type.
Interface manual.
➲ For step-by-step instructions on using many of the ERDAS IMAGINE vector tools, see the
ERDAS IMAGINE Tour Guides manual.
15
Subset Vector Layer
Subset Vector Layer

This dialog enables you to create a new vector layer by subsetting (or clipping) an existing layer
with a clip coverage.
To access this dialog, click on Subset Vector Layer in the Vector Utilities dialog.
☞ Subset Vector Layer is not available under Windows 95.


Input Coverage: Enter the name of the vector layer that you want to subset.
Subset Coverage: Enter the name of the layer that will be used to define the subset.
This MUST be a properly built polygon layer. The outer polygons of this file define the subset
area.
Output Coverage: Enter the name of the new output coverage that will be created.
Subsetting Features: Click on this popup list to define the features to be included in
the new output coverage.
Polygons Polygons and their attributes are saved in the new output coverage.
Lines Lines and their attributes are saved in the new output coverage.
Points Points and their attributes are saved in the new output coverage.
Raw Lines and points are saved in the new output coverage, but attribute information
is ignored.
Fuzzy Tolerance: Specify the minimum distance between coordinates in the new output
file. The default is 0.002.
A fuzzy tolerance of 0 will not be accepted.
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Subset Vector Layer

Interface manual.
17
Mosaic Polygon Coverages

This dialog enables you to combine up to 500 adjacent polygon coverages containing polygons
and points, lines, and nodes into one coverage and recreate the topology. You can also specify
a clip coverage to define the boundaries of the output coverage and a template coverage to
specify which features to mosaic.
☞ The attribute tables for the input coverages must match. You should also ensure that edge
coordinates, node coordinates, and polygon item values match between adjacent coverages.
The dialog is opened when you click on Mosaic Polygon Layers... in the Vector Utilities dialog.
☞ Mosaic Polygon Coverages is not available under Windows 95.


Select Input Covers: Select the coverages to mosaic from this list. Click on the
coverage to include and it is listed in the Current Input Coverage List on the right side of
the dialog.
Current Input Coverage List: The coverages to mosaic are listed in this list as they
are selected from the Select Input Coverages list.
None Signifies that no coverages are selected for mosaicking.
Delete a Cover from the List Click to delete the selected coverage from the input list.
Output Coverage: Enter a name for the new coverage that you are creating.
Select Features to Merge: Select the features to merge from this group.
POLYGONS Click to merge polygons and polygon attributes. This option must be
selected.
POINTS Click to merge points and their attributes.
18
LINES Click to merge lines (arcs) and their attributes.
NODES Click to merge nodes and their attributes.
Specify a clip coverage... Click to specify a clip coverage to define the boundary of
the new coverage. The Specify a Clip Coverage dialog is opened.
Feature-IDs numbering method: Click on this popup list to indicate how feature-IDs
and tic-IDs are to be numbered in the output coverage.
Keep old feature & tic IDs Keep old feature and tic-IDs as is in the new coverage.
Renumber feature IDs only Renumber feature-IDs but do not renumber tic-IDs.
Renumber tic IDs only Renumber tic-IDs but do not renumber feature-IDs.When this
option is selected, the first coverage encountered will not be renumbered, but consecutive
coverages will be offset by one plus the highest value used so far.
For example, if the largest tic value in the first coverage is 20, then all tic values in the
second coverage will be offset by 20 + 1, or 21. Then, all tics in the third coverage will be
offset by one plus the largest value used in the second coverage, and so forth.
Renumber tic & feature IDs Renumber both tic and feature-IDs in the new coverage.
Use template coverage Click to use a template coverage to specify the set of features
to be mosaicked.
Specify template coverage... If you have opted to use a template coverage, click here
to specify the template to use. The Specify a Template Coverage dialog is opened.
OK Click to mosaic the listed coverages and close this dialog.


Interface manual.
19
Transform Vector Layer

This dialog is opened when you click on Transform Vector Layer in the Vector Utilities dialog.
☞ Transform Vector Layer is not available under Windows 95.

This dialog enables you to change vector coverage coordinates using an affine or projective
transformation based on a set of tics. The function is often used to transform coverages created
in digitizer units to real-world units in a particular projection. The transformation is accomplished
using a least squares calculation.
♦ An affine transformation requires three or more tics.

♦ A projective transformation requires four or more tics, and is used only to transform
coordinates digitized directly off high altitude aerial photography or aerial photographs of
relatively flat terrain.
It is recommended that you use at least one more than the minimum number of tics for the best
results.
Creating an Output Coverage
The output file that you select must already contain tics in the output projection. Except for these
tics, any other features in the output coverage will be replaced by features from the input
coverage.
The input coverage and the output coverage must both contain tic files with at least two tics that
have the same tic IDs and represent corresponding tic locations in both coverages. These
coverages do not have to have identical tics, only those tics with common tic IDs will be used in
the transformation.
Follow these steps to create the tic coverage in which the transformed features will be output.
1. Create a new vector coverage in the Viewer.
By default, two tics will be created. If you create a new coverage on top of another coverage
(e.g., the input coverage that will be used in the transformation), the new coverage will
contain all of the tics from the underlying coverage. If you create a new coverage on top of a
raster image that contains ground control points, those points will become tics in the new
coverage.
20
2. If you need to add more tics to the coverage you are creating, use the tool on the Vector
tool palette
To enter specific tic coordinates, select Vector | Attributes... in the Viewer menu bar to bring
up the Vector Attribute Table. In the Vector Attribute Table menu bar, select View | Tic
Attributes. You can now enter specific tic coordinates and tic IDs.
Only the tics in the input and output coverage that have the same tic IDs will be used in the
transformation, therefore you may need to edit the tic IDs of the tics that you want to use.
3. Save the new vector coverage. You are now ready to perform the transformation.

Input Coverage: Enter the name of the coverage whose coordinates are to be
transformed.
Output Coverage: Enter the name of an existing tic coverage with tics. These tics will
be used as the control points for the transformation. After running this process, this coverage
will contain transformed coordinates for all input features.
Output Statistics File: Enter the name of the ASCII file in which to write the summary
statistics of the transform.
Transform Method: Click on this popup list to specify the type of transformation.
Affine Click to specify an affine transformation. At least three tics are required.
Projective Click to specify a projective transformation. At least four tics are required.
OK Click to perform the transformation and close this dialog.
21

Interface manual.
22
Create Polygon Labels
Create Polygon Labels

This dialog enables you to create label points for a polygon coverage. It opens when you click on
Create Polygon Labels in the Vector Utilities dialog.
☞ Create Polygon Labels is not available under Windows 95.

☞ You should run Build Vector Layer Topology after creating new labels to update the User-
IDs in the PAT.

Polygon Coverage: Enter the name of the coverage in which to create labels.
ID Base: Enter the starting ID value to be assigned to new labels. The value entered will
be the first User-ID for the first polygon encountered that does not have a label point. User-
IDs are incremented by one as labels are created.
Specify 0 (zero) to create new labels for all polygons. This is the default.
OK Click to create labels and close this dialog.


Interface manual.
23
Raster to Vector
Raster to Vector
This dialog enables you to convert an ERDAS IMAGINE raster layer to a vector layer.
This dialog is opened when you click on Raster to Vector from the Vector Utilities dialog.
☞ Raster to Vector is not available under Windows 95.

☞ Vector layers created in this dialog that do not have map projection information cannot be
overlaid onto the original image. Use the Vector Info utility to add projection information to a
coverage.
☞ It is advised that you convert only thematic layers, since continuous layers may contain more
features than are practical.

Input Raster: Enter the file name of the input raster layer to convert. The default file
extension is .img.
Output Vector: Enter the name of the new output vector layer.

Interface manual.
24
Vector to Raster
Vector to Raster
This dialog enables you to convert an ESRI ARC coverage to an ERDAS IMAGINE raster layer.
This dialog is opened when you click on Vector to Raster in the Vector Utilities dialog.
☞ If you want to convert ESRI Shapefiles or SDE vectors to raster, you must use the Image
Interpreter | Utilities | Vector to Raster function.
☞ Vector to Raster is not available under Windows 95.


Input Vector: Enter the file name of the vector layer that you want to convert.
Output Raster: Enter the name of the new output raster layer.

Interface manual.
25
Table Tool
Table Tool
The Table Tool is a utility for managing INFO files. It allows you to view, edit, relate, import or
export, copy, join, rename, delete, and create INFO tables. You can access the Table Tool by
selecting Start Table Tool... from the Vector Utilities menu.
☞ The Table Tool is not available under Windows 95.
File Click to open a pulldown menu with the following options:

New ... Click to create a new table. The Create New Table dialog opens.
Open ... Click to open a table to view. The Open Info Table dialog opens.
Clear Click to close the current table and clear the CellArray display.
Close Click to close this window.
Close All Click to close all windows.
Save Click to save current editing.
Save As... Click to save the table to a new data file. The Save Table As dialog opens.
Edit Click to open a pulldown menu with the following options:

Enable Edit Click to enable table editing.
Add Rows... Click to add new records/rows to the table. The Add Rows dialog opens.
Add A Column... Click to add a new item/column to the table. The Add Column dialog
opens.
Delete Selected Rows Click to delete selected table records.
Delete Selected Columns Click to delete selected table columns.
Undo Last Edit Click to undo the last editing performed.
Create New Table... Click to Create a new table from scratch. The Create New Table
dialog opens.
Copy Click to copy the currently selected columns to a buffer.
Paste Click to paste the buffer into the currently selected columns.
Select All Columns Click to select all columns for an operation.
Deselect All Columns Click to deselect all columns.
26
Table Tool
Select All Rows Click to select all rows for an operation.
Deselect All Rows Click to deselect all rows.
Select Rows by Criteria... Click to select rows by criteria. The Select Criteria dialog
opens.
Utilities Click to open a pulldown menu with the following options:

Table Copy... Click to copy a table. The Copy Info Table dialog opens.
Table Rename... Click to rename a table. The Rename Info Table dialog opens.
Table Delete... Click to delete a table permanently. The Delete Info Table dialog opens.
Table Merge... Click to join two tables into a single one. The Merge Info Tables dialog
opens.
Relate Click to open a pulldown menu with the following options:

Relate... Click to open the Relates Manager.
Drop Click to drop the current last relate from view.
View Click to open a pulldown menu with the following options:

New Window... Click to start a new table tool window.
Help Click to open a pulldown menu with the following options:

Help for Table Tool Click to view the On-Line Help for the Table Tool.
Click to open a table to view. The Open Info Table dialog opens.
Click to close the current table and clear the CellArray display. This is the same as
selecting File | Clear from the menu bar.
Click to start another Table Tool window. This is the same as selecting View | New
Window... from the menu bar.
Click to close this table tool window. This is the same as selecting File | Close from the
menu bar.
27
Table Tool
Click to Save editing. This is the same as selecting File | Save from the menu bar.
Click to add a new item/column to the table. The Add Column dialog opens.
Click to add new records/rows to the table. The Add Rows dialog opens.
Click to delete the selected rows. This is the same as selecting Edit | Delete Selected
Rows from the menu bar.
Click to delete the selected columns. This is the same as selecting Edit | Delete
Selected Columns from the menu bar.
Click to copy the currently selected columns to a buffer. This is the same as selecting
Edit | Copy from the menu bar.
Click to paste the buffer into the selected columns. This is the same as selecting Edit
| Paste from the menu bar.
Click to undo the last editing performed. This is the same as selecting Edit | Undo Last
Edit from the menu bar.
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Import ASCII File To Point Coverage
Import ASCII File To Point Coverage

This dialog enables you to create a point coverage from an ASCII file. It opens when you select
ASCII File to Point Layer... from the Vector Utilities menu.
☞ Import ASCII File TO Point Coverage is not available under Windows 95.
Input ASCII File: Enter the name of the ASCII file that contains x and y coordinates of
points or select an input file from the file list.
Output Point Coverage: Enter the name of the output point coverage or select the
output point coverage from the file list.
Output Coverage Precision: Specify the output coverage precision.

Single
Double
OK Click to import the data.
Cancel Click to close this Dialog and cancel the import.
Help Click to view the On-Line Help for this dialog.
29
Vector Tools
Vector Tools
This tool palette enables you to select vector features in a variety of ways and to edit features.
The Options dialog allows you to set parameters that affect the operation of some of these tools.
This tool palette is opened when you select Vector | Tools... from the Viewer menu bar or when
you click the icon on the Viewer tool bar when a vector layer is the top layer in the viewer.
To enter specific position and size parameters, you can press the space bar while drawing many
vector objects and a dialog is opened allowing you to enter precise coordinates and size
information.
i The Preference Editor allows you to select large or small tools. This tool palette is opened
if you have selected small tools.
Click to select features. With the pointer tool selected, click on the feature you want to
select. That feature will be highlighted in the color indicated in the Properties dialog.
If the Attribute Table is open, selected items will also be highlighted in the CellArray.
To add to your selection, shift-click on another feature.
To deselect all items, click outside of the selection.
If editing has been enabled the selected features may be transformed by manipulating the rot-
box.
Click to place a point feature in a vector layer. Editing must be enabled before placing
the point.
Click to place a tic mark in a coverage.
Click to draw new lines in a vector layer. Click to place points along the line where it
changes direction. Double-click or middle-click (depending upon how your Preferences are
set) to terminate the line. If enabled, node and arc snapping will be performed on the end
points of the new line. Editing must be enabled before new lines can be drawn.
30
Vector Tools
Click to split a line into two lines. Click at the point where you want to split the line. The
row for the original line is removed from the attribute table and two new rows are added to the
end of the attribute table.
Click to replace a portion of a line. The portion of the existing line above the acute angle
is removed, as in the example below.
Editing must be enabled before you can use this option.
Click to create a simple polygon in a vector layer. Editing must be enabled before you
can use this option.
Click to use the region growing tool to create a polygon. The polygon “growth” is based
on parameters set in the Region Growing Properties dialog.
Click to select multiple features within a rectangular area. The actual features that are
selected depend on the Select By options that are set in the Options dialog.
If Intersect is selected, then all features that are contained in or intersect the marquee outline
are selected.
If Contained In is selected, then only those features that are entirely within the boundaries of
the marquee outline are selected.
Click to select multiple features within an elliptical area. The actual features that are
31
Vector Tools
are selected.
Click to select multiple features within a polygonal area. The actual features that are
are selected.
Click to select line features that intersect the line that you draw.
Click to see this On-Line Help document.
When this icon is displayed, the selected tool remains active (locked) until you select
another tool.
When this icon is displayed, the selected tool is active for one use only. The pointer tool
automatically becomes active following the single use of the currently selected tool.

Interface manual.
32
Vector Tools (Large Format)

information.
if you have selected large tools.
Click to select features. With the pointer tool selected, click on the feature you want
to select. That feature will be highlighted in the color indicated in the Properties dialog.
box.
Click to place a point feature in a vector layer. Editing must be enabled before
placing the point.
33
Click to draw new lines in a vector layer. Click to place points along the line where
it changes direction. Double-click or middle-click (depending upon how your Preferences are
Click to split a line into two lines. Click at the point where you want to split the line.
The row for the original line is removed from the attribute table and two new rows are added
to the end of the attribute table.
Click to replace a portion of a line. The portion of the existing line above the acute
angle is removed, as in the example below.
Click to create a simple polygon in a vector layer. Editing must be enabled before
you can use this option.
Click to use the region growing tool to create a polygon. The polygon “growth” is
based on parameters set in the Region Growing Properties dialog
34
Click to select multiple features within a rectangular area. The actual features that
are selected depend on the Select By options that are set in the Options dialog.
are selected.
are selected.
are selected.
Keep Tool Click to retain the current tool until another is selected.
35
Interface manual.
36
Vector Tools and Commands

information.
if you have selected small tools.
Click to select features. With the pointer tool selected, click on the feature you want to
select. That feature will be highlighted in the color indicated in the Properties dialog.
box.
Click to place a point feature in a vector layer. Editing must be enabled before placing
the point.
Click to draw new lines in a vector layer. Click to place points along the line where it
changes direction. Double-click or middle-click (depending upon how your Preferences are
37
Click to split a line into two lines. Click at the point where you want to split the line. The
row for the original line is removed from the attribute table and two new rows are added to the
end of the attribute table.
Click to replace a portion of a line. The portion of the existing line above the acute angle
is removed, as in the example below.
Click to create a simple polygon in a vector layer. Editing must be enabled before you
can use this option.
Click to use the region growing tool to create a polygon. The polygon “growth” is based
on parameters set in the Region Growing Properties dialog.
Click to select multiple features within a rectangular area. The actual features that are
are selected.
38
are selected.
are selected.
Click to undo the last edit or all edits performed since the layer was saved. Simply click
Undo as many times as needed to undo any number of edits.
Click to cut the selected elements from the coverage and save them to the paste buffer.
These items can be restored using the Paste command or the Undo button.
Click to copy the selected features to the paste buffer.
Click to paste the items stored in the paste buffer. (Write items to the paste buffer using
either the Cut or Copy commands.)
Items are pasted in the same location as the items in the buffer. Therefore if you select a line,
copy it, then paste it into the same layer, it will be placed exactly on top of the original line.
You must move it if that is not where you want it.
This makes it very easy to select a group of features in one coverage and use that same group
in another layer and maintain the same level of accuracy. For example, you may want to use
county boundaries from one layer in a related layer.
39
Click to delete the selected items from the layer. Deleted items are not stored in the
paste buffer and can only be restored using the Undo command.
Click to change the shape of a single line element by moving, adding, or deleting
vertices.
♦ left-hold to move a vertex;

♦ middle-click to add a vertex;
♦ shift-middle-click to add or remove a vertex;
♦ left-hold on any side of a polygon or segment of a polyline to move it
without rotating.
To quit reshape mode, Click outside the element or select another element.
Click to smooth the selected arcs according to the grain tolerance that is stored with
the coverage, or that you specify in the Options dialog. Vertices are added to the line
according to the grain tolerance specified. The shape of the lines will change when Spline is
used.
Click to add points to the selected lines according to the grain tolerance specified for
that coverage, or the grain tolerance that you enter in the Options dialog.
Densify does not change the shape of the lines.
Click to eliminate unnecessary vertices in a line according to the weed tolerance stored
with the layer or that you enter in the Options dialog. Performing Generalize may speed
further processing since the number of vertices in the layer may be greatly reduced.
Click to combine two arcs that share a node, if they are the only two lines sharing that
node. The combined lines cannot have more than 500 points.
Click to create a multi-part feature by grouping selected features.
40
Click to break up a selected multi-part feature into its parts.
Click to open the Vector Attribute Table dialog.
Click to open the Vector Properties dialog.
Click open the Vector Symbology dialog.
Click open the Vector Options dialog.
Click to open the Region Growing Properties dialog.
Click to add the currently selected annotation or AOI to the top Vector layer in the
current viewer.
Click to create a new digitizing tablet configuration. The Tablet Setup dialog is opened.
Click to use an existing tablet configuration. The Tablet Status dialog is opened.
another tool.
Interface manual.
41
42
Vector Tools and Commands (Large Format)

information.
if you have selected large tools.
Click to select features. With the pointer tool selected, click on the feature you want
to select. That feature will be highlighted in the color indicated in the Properties dialog.
box.
Click to place a point feature in a vector layer. Editing must be enabled before
placing the point.
43
Click to draw new lines in a vector layer. Click to place points along the line where
it changes direction. Double-click or middle-click (depending upon how your Preferences are
Click to split a line into two lines. Click at the point where you want to split the line.
The row for the original line is removed from the attribute table and two new rows are added
to the end of the attribute table.
Click to replace a portion of a line. The portion of the existing line above the acute
angle is removed, as in the example below.
Click to create a simple polygon in a vector layer. Editing must be enabled before
you can use this option.
Click to use the region growing tool to create a polygon. The polygon “growth” is
based on parameters set in the Region Growing Properties dialog
44
Click to select multiple features within a rectangular area. The actual features that
are selected depend on the Select By options that are set in the Options dialog.
are selected.
are selected.
are selected.
Click to undo the last edit or all edits performed since the layer was saved. Simply
click Undo as many times as needed to undo any number of edits.
45
Click to cut the selected elements from the coverage and save them to the paste
buffer. These items can be restored using the Paste command or the Undo button.
Click to copy the selected features to the paste buffer.
Click to paste the items stored in the paste buffer. (Write items to the paste buffer
using either the Cut or Copy commands.)
Click to delete the selected items from the layer. Deleted items are not stored in the
paste buffer and can only be restored using the Undo command.
Click to change the shape of a single line element by moving, adding, or deleting
vertices.
♦ left-hold to move a vertex;

♦ middle-click to add a vertex;
♦ shift-middle-click to add or remove a vertex;
♦ left-hold on any side of a polygon or segment of a polyline to move it
without rotating.
To quit reshape mode, Click outside the element or select another element.
46
Click to smooth the selected arcs according to the grain tolerance that is stored with
the coverage, or that you specify in the Options dialog. Vertices are added to the line
used.
Click to add points to the selected lines according to the grain tolerance specified
for that coverage, or the grain tolerance that you enter in the Options dialog.
Click to eliminate unnecessary vertices in a line according to the weed tolerance

stored with the layer or that you enter in the Options dialog. Performing Generalize may
speed further processing since the number of vertices in the layer may be greatly reduced.
Click to combine two arcs that share a node, if they are the only two lines sharing
that node. The combined lines cannot have more than 500 points.
Click to create a multi-part feature by grouping selected features.
Click to break up a selected multi-part feature into its parts.
Click to open the Vector Attribute Table dialog.
Click to open the Vector Properties dialog.
47
Click open the Vector Symbology dialog.
Click open the Vector Options dialog.
Click to open the Region Growing Properties dialog.
Click to add the currently selected annotation or AOI to the top Vector layer in the
current viewer.
Click to create a new digitizing tablet configuration. The Tablet Setup dialog is
opened.
Click to use an existing tablet configuration. The Tablet Status dialog is opened.
another tool.
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49
Vector Commands
Vector Commands
Use these vector commands to perform many editing operations on a vector layer. These
commands are often used in conjunction with the vector Tools and Options.
Most of these operations work on all selected elements. Elements can be selected graphically in
the Viewer or from the attribute CellArray.
This dialog cannot be reached using the IMAGINE user interface. It can only be accessed
through EML application functions commands. These commands are also found in the Vector
menu on the Viewer, and in the Vector Tools and Commands palette.
☞ You must left-hold Vector/Enable Editing from the Viewer menu bar before you can use
these commands.
☞ You can also open these commands as icons in the vector tool palette. This option is set in
the viewer category of the Preference Editor.
Undo Left-click to undo the last edit or all edits performed since the layer was saved.
Simply left-click Undo as many times as needed to undo any number of edits.
Cut Left-click to cut the selected elements from the coverage and save them to the paste
buffer. These items can be restored using the Paste command or the Undo button.
Copy Left-click to copy the selected features to the paste buffer.
Paste Left-click to paste the items stored in the paste buffer. (Write items to the paste buffer
using either the Cut or Copy commands.)
Delete Left-click to delete the selected items from the layer. Deleted items are not stored
in the paste buffer and can only be restored using the Undo command.
Reshape Left-click to change the shape of a single element.
50
Vector Commands
Spline Left-click to smooth the selected arcs according to the grain tolerance that is stored
with the coverage, or that you specify in the Options dialog. Vertices are added to the line
used.
Densify Left-click to add points to the selected lines according to the grain tolerance
specified for that coverage, or the grain tolerance that you enter in the Options dialog.
Densify does not change the shape of the lines.
Generalize Left-click to eliminate unnecessary vertices in a line according to the weed

tolerance stored with the layer or that you enter in the Options dialog. Performing Generalize
may speed further processing since the number of vertices in the layer may be greatly
reduced.
Join Left-click to combine two arcs that share a node, if they are the only two lines sharing
that node. The combined lines cannot have more than 500 points.
Group Create a multi-part feature by grouping selected features.
Ungroup Break up a selected multi-part feature into its parts.
Close Left-click to close this dialog.
Help Left-click to see this On-Line Help document.
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Vector Attribute Table

This CellArray displays the attributes for the vector features displayed in the Viewer. It also
allows you to select features by attribute and to edit attribute values, and it provides many of the
CellArray editing features found throughout ERDAS IMAGINE.
☞ You must select Vector | Enable Editing from the Viewer menu bar before you can edit your
attributes.
This Attribute Table appears when you select Vector | Attributes from the Viewer menu bar and
when you right-hold Vector Options | Show Attributes in the Arrange Layers dialog. If lines
are displayed in the Viewer, then the CellArray will contain line attribute information. If points are
displayed, then the CellArray will display point attribute information, etc. The title bar of this dialog
reflects the name of the vector layer you are editing.
☞ Selecting and deselecting from the CellArray affects only those features that are displayed in
the CellArray. To deselect features of all types, select View | Deselect All Features in the
Vector Attribute Table menu bar.
File This menu option allows you to close the current attribute table.
Close Select this option to close this attribute table.
Edit This menu provides many options for editing the attribute information. Some of these
items will be disabled if you have not enabled editing.
☞ Editing functions may be performed only when the Vector module is installed.
Column Attributes... Select this option to change the title, data type, precision, etc., of
columns in the attribute table and to add new attribute columns. The Column Attributes
dialog is opened. This will be enabled only if you have attributes for this feature type.
Create Attributes Select this option to create attributes for a coverage that does not
already have attribute information. The default columns for the type of feature for which
you are creating attributes are created. This will be enabled only if you have enabled
editing and you do not yet have any attributes for this feature type. This operation
CANNOT be undone (with the Undo command), but you CAN exit without saving your
changes.
Merge Attributes... Select this option to merge attribute information from another file.
The Merge Attributes dialog is opened. This menu item will be enabled only when editing
is enabled, no unsaved edits have been made, and you have at least the automatically-
generated attributes for this feature type.
52
Export Attributes... Select this option to export a column of attributes to another file.
The Export Attributes dialog is opened. This menu item will be enabled only if you have
attributes (rows and columns) for this feature type.
Copy Select this option to copy the selected rows of the selected columns. Items are
written to the paste buffer.
Paste Select this option to paste the contents of the paste buffer. This menu item will be
enabled only when editing is enabled.
Select All Columns Select this option to select all columns in the CellArray. All columns
will be highlighted in cyan.
Deselect All Columns Select this option to deselect any selected columns.
Select All Rows Select this option to select all rows in the Attribute Table. All rows will
be highlighted in yellow. If all columns are also selected, then all cells in the table will be
highlighted in green.
Deselect All Rows Select this option to deselect all currently selected rows.
Select Rows by Criteria... Select this option to select rows by entering specific selection
criteria. The Selection Criteria dialog is opened.
View Use the View menu to change the type of attributes that are displayed in the attribute
table.
Point Attributes Select this option to view point attributes.
Lines Attributes Select this option to view line attributes.
Polygon Attributes Select this option to view polygon attributes.

Tic Attributes Select this option to view tic attributes.
Display Only Selected This item affects what is displayed in the Viewer. Select this
option to display attributes on only selected features. Selected features are highlighted.
All features are always displayed in the CellArray.
Deselect All Features Select this option to deselect all features of all feature types.
Help
Help for Vector Attributes Select this option to see this On-Line Help document.
Click to copy the currently selected columns to the paste buffer.
53
Click to paste the contents of the paste buffer into the selected columns.
(Attribute CellArray) The feature attributes are displayed in this CellArray. Right-hold
with your cursor in the Record column to access the Row Selection menu. Right hold with
your cursor in any column title cell to access the Column Options menu.
Within the attribute table you can use any of the CellArray tools that are discussed in the on-
line IMAGINE Interface manual.
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Column Attributes
Column Attributes
This dialog allows you to define the characteristics of attribute columns in the attribute table. You
can also add new columns to the table. You cannot change the characteristics of columns once
they have been added to the table (after you Click OK).
This dialog is opened when you select Edit | Column Attributes... in the menu bar of the Vector
Attribute Table dialog.
☞ Editing functions may be performed only when the Vector module is installed.
Columns: The current columns in the attribute table are listed.

Most of the other options in this dialog are disabled until you select New to add a new column
to the table. Only the characteristics of columns that are being added can be modified. The
characteristics of existing columns (columns that were there when this operation was begun)
cannot be changed.
Title Enter the name of the new column you are creating.
Type Click the popup list button to select the type of data in this column.
String The column will contain string data.
Integer The column will contain integer data.
Real The column will contain real data.
Date The column will contain data in date form.
Max Width For string data, enter the maximum width of the column.
Precision Click the popup list button to select the precision of the data in the column. This
option is disabled for string and date data.
Single The data will be in single precision.
Double The data will be in double precision.
Decimal Places For real numbers, enter the number of decimal places of the selected
column.
Display Width Enter the display width of the selected column.
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Column Attributes
New Click to add a new column. The characteristics of the selected column are used for
the defaults for this column, except for the name, which is generated. This button will be
enabled only when editing is enabled. New columns will be placed at the end of normal
columns and before redefined columns.
Delete Click to delete the selected column. Automatically-generated columns cannot be

deleted. This button will be enabled only when editing is enabled and no unsaved changes
have been made.
OK Click to accept the columns shown and close this dialog. This operation CANNOT be
undone (with the Undo command). Deleted columns are deleted from your layer immediately
(even if you do not save your changes), but added columns do not get permanently added
until you save your changes.
Cancel Click to cancel any changes to the columns and close this dialog.

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Merge Attributes
Merge Attributes
This dialog allows you to merge attributes from another INFO file into the current attribute table.
This dialog is opened when you select Edit | Merge Attributes... from the menu bar of the
Vector Attribute Table dialog.
File to Merge Enter the name of the INFO file to merge into the current file.
You must specify the complete path of the file as in the example below:
/georgia/info!arc!<info file>
where /georgia/ is the name of the workspace. The <info file> name will resemble one of the
following sample file names:
parcels.acode
parcels.pcode
parcels.xcode
Relate Type CLick the popup list button to select how the merge file records will be
matched to the current attribute data.
Ordered The related file is sorted by the relate column. A binary search is used.
Linear Both tables can be sorted in any order. This option is generally the slowest of the
three options.
Link Both tables can be sorted in any order. The value for the current attribute item
indicates the record number of the related file. This is the fasted of the three methods.
Relate Column: Indicate which column in the current attribute table will be used as the
relate column.
Place After: Indicate where in the attribute table to place the new column.
OK Click to merge columns in the specified file to the current attribute file. This operation
CANNOT be undone (with the Undo command) and it affects your layer immediately (even if
you do not save your changes).
Cancel Click to cancel the merge and close this dialog.

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Export Attributes
Export Attributes
This dialog enables you to export the attribute information from one, some, or all columns of the
current attribute table to a new INFO file.
This dialog is opened when you select Edit | Export Attributes... from the menu bar of the
Vector Attribute Table dialog.
Output Filename Enter the name of the INFO file to which you want to write the selected
attributes.
You must specify the complete path of the file as in the example below:
/georgia/info!arc!<info file>
Where georgia is the workspace name and <info file> will resemble one of the following
sample file names:
parcels.acode
parcels.pcode
parcels.xcode
(CellArray) Select columns to export by selecting rows in the CellArray.
OK Click to export the selected attributes to the file named above.
Cancel Click to close this dialog without exporting attributes.

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Properties
Properties
This dialog allows you to set the properties that determine how vector data are displayed. This
information can be read from a symbology file, edited, and saved to a new or existing symbology
file. This dialog also determines which features of a particular layer are currently opened and
opens the default styles used (the style used if there is no attribute-based symbology for this
feature type or if the feature does not fall into any of the specified classes) for the feature types.
☞ You must Click Apply before new styles are applied to the displayed vector layer.
This dialog is opened when you select Vector | Viewing Properties... from the Viewer menu bar
and when you select Vector Options | Show Properties in the Arrange Layers dialog.
Arcs Click to display lines. The default line style is shown as well as the number of lines in
the displayed layer (in parentheses). Click the style chooser button to change the line style.
Points Click to display points. The default point symbol is shown as well as the number of
points in the displayed layer (in parentheses). Click the style chooser button to change the
symbol style.
Attribute Click to display attribute information at the points. Click the popup list button to
select the attribute information to display. Click the style chooser button to change the text
style.
Polygon Click to display polygons. The default polygon style is shown as well as the
number of polygons in the displayed layer (in parentheses). Click the style chooser button to
change the fill style.
☞ You can display polygons only if you are not editing your layer. If editing is enabled, this check
box is disabled.
All Click to display all polygons in the layer. Click the style chooser button to change the
fill style.
Errors Click to display only polygons with errors.
When this option is enabled, you will not be able to select polygons that do not contain
errors.
No Labels Click to display polygons that do not have labels. Click the style chooser
button to change the fill style.
Multiple Labels Click to display polygons that have multiple labels. Click the style
chooser button to change the fill style.
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Properties
Tics Click to display tics. The default point symbol is shown as well as the number of tics
in the displayed layer (in parentheses). Click the style chooser button to change the symbol
style.
Nodes Click to display nodes.

All Click to display all nodes. Click the style chooser button to change the fill style.
Errors Click to display only erroneous nodes. You can display errors only if editing is
enabled; otherwise, the All and Errors radio buttons are disabled.
Dangling Click to display dangling nodes. Click the style chooser button to change
the symbol style.
Pseudo Click to display pseudo nodes. Click the style chooser button to change the
symbol style.
Bounding Box Click to display the bounding box. Click the style chooser button to
change the line style.
i If several vector layers are displayed, the Viewer will fill in white behind only the bounding box
of each layer, not the bounding box of all layers.
Selection Color: Click the style chooser button to choose the highlight color for selected
features. The default color is yellow.
Display the Selected Subset Only Click here to confine queries and display within a
selected subset.
Attribute-based symbology Click to toggle the use of attribute-based symbology.

Symbology: The file storing the symbology being used to view this layer is reported. If
the layer does not have an associate symbology file, this will say <none>.
Set ... Click to select a different symbology file. The Select Vector Symbology dialog
is opened.
Apply Click to apply this symbology to the displayed layer.
Save Click to save the applied symbology to the file named above.
Save As ... Click to save the applied symbology to a new file. The Save Symbology As
... dialog is opened.
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Properties

Interface manual.
➲ For more information on ERDAS IMAGINE vector layers, see the “Vector Layers” chapter in
the ERDAS Field Guide.
61
Select Vector Symbology
Select Vector Symbology

This dialog enables you to select a symbology file to use. This dialog is opened when you click
the Set... button in the Properties dialog. The symbology from the file selected will be displayed
in the Properties dialog. You must click Apply to apply this symbology to the layer.
Symbology: Use this file name part to select the symbology file to use.
OK Click to use the selected symbology file and close this dialog.

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Save Symbology As ...
Save Symbology As ...

This dialog enables you to save the properties that you have set in a new symbology file. This
dialog is opened when you click the Save As... button in the Properties dialog. This same dialog
opens when you select File | Save As... in the Symbology dialog.
Save Symbology: Reports the name of the current symbology file.
as: Enter the name for the new symbology file using the file name part.
OK Click to save the symbology file and close this dialog.

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Symbology
Symbology
This dialog allows you to select the symbology used to display vector features. This dialog is
opened when you select Vector | Symbology... from the Viewer menu bar and when you select
Vector Options | Show Symbology in the Arrange Layers dialog.
File This menu provides options for saving and closing the symbology table.
Save Select this option to save the current symbology in an existing file.
Save As ... Select This Option to save the current symbology in a new file. The Save
Symbology As... dialog is opened.
Close Select this option to close this symbology table.
Edit This menu provides options for editing the symbology.

Apply Select this option to redisplay the vector layer in the Viewer using the new
symbology.
Set Number of Classes... Select this option to set the number of classes to symbolize.
The Number of Symbology Classes dialog is opened.
Set Evaluation Precision... Select this option to set the evaluation precision to use. The
Equation Evaluation Precision dialog is opened.
Copy Select this option to copy the current selection to the paste buffer.
Paste Select this option to paste the contents of the paste buffer.
Select All Columns Select this option to select all columns. The columns will be
highlighted in cyan.
Deselect All Columns Select this option to deselect all currently selected columns.
Select All Rows Select this option to select all rows. The rows will be highlighted in
yellow. If all columns are also selected, then all cells of the table will be highlighted in
green.
Deselect All Rows Select this option to deselect all currently selected rows.
Select Rows by Criteria... Select this option to select rows according to specific criteria
parameters. The Selection Criteria dialog is opened.
View This menu provides options for selecting the type of symbology to view in the table.
Point Symbology Click this radio button to view point symbology.
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Symbology
Attribute Symbology Click this radio button to view attribute symbology.
Line Symbology Click this radio button to view line symbology.
Polygon Symbology Click this radio button to view polygon symbology.
Automatic This menu provides options for automatically generating symbology classes.
Equal Divisions... Select this option to divide a range of values into an equal number
of classes. The Equal Divisions dialog is opened.
Equal Counts... Select this option to put an equal number of features in a specified
number of classes. The Equal Counts dialog is opened.
Unique Value... Select this option to generate a separate class for each unique value.
The Unique Value dialog is opened.
Help
Help for Vector Symbology Select this option to see this On-Line Help document.
Click to copy the currently selected columns to the paste buffer.
Click to paste the contents into the selected columns.
(Symbology CellArray) The symbology classes are displayed in this CellArray. Right-
hold with your cursor in the Record column to access the Row Selection menu. Right hold
with your cursor in any column title cell to access the Column Options menu.
All expressions and styles within the Symbology CellArray are editable by clicking inside the
CellArray to bring up the Edit Expression or Fill Style Chooser dialog.
Within the symbology table you can use any of the CellArray tools that are discussed in the
on-line IMAGINE Interface manual.
Apply Click to apply this symbology to the displayed layer.

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Symbology
➲ For more information on vector layers, see the “Vector Layers” chapter in the ERDAS Field
Guide.
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Edit Expression
Edit Expression
This dialog enables you to edit the expression that determines which features belong to the
current symbology class (noted by the > column in the CellArray). This expression editor is
similar to the Selection Criteria editor in CellArrays and the Function Definition dialog in Model
Maker. You simply click on the attributes, operators, comparison functions, and the number pad
to create an expression that defines the features to be contained in a particular class. When you
click on an item in the Attributes, Operators, Compares, or Number Pad, that item is
automatically placed in the Expression box at the bottom of the dialog.
This dialog is opened when you click inside the CellArray of the Symbology dialog.
Attributes: The attribute columns for the current Symbology table are listed.
Operators: Use these operators to combine values from various columns into new values.
Most of these operators work on numerical values only. However, the addition function (+)
may be used to concatenate two strings.
+ Addition
- Subtraction
* Multiplication
/ Division
mod( <a> , <b> ) Modulus — the remainder when <a> is divided by <b>.
abs( <a> ) Absolute Value of <a>.
int( <a> ) Integer — the greatest integer less than or equal to <a>.
even( <a> ) Selects all entries with even values in the column <a>. If the modulus of the
number and two is zero, then it is considered even. This function should really be applied
only to whole numbers.
odd( <a> ) Selects all entries with odd values in the column <a>. This is defined as the
inverse of even(). This function should really be applied only to whole numbers.
max( <a> , <b> ) This function returns the maximum of the two arguments.
min( <a> , <b> ) This function returns the minimum of the two arguments.
row() This function returns the current row number, starting with zero (0) for the first row.
This function takes no arguments.
sin( <a> ) Returns the sine of the argument. The argument is interpreted as degrees.
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Edit Expression
cos( <a> ) Returns the cosine of the argument. The argument is interpreted as degrees.
tan( <a> ) Returns the tangent of the argument. The argument is interpreted as degrees.
asin( <a> ) Returns the arcsine of the argument. The result is in degrees.
acos( <a> ) Returns the arccosine of the argument. The result is in degrees.
atan( <a> ) Returns the arctangent of the argument. The result is in degrees.
ln( <a> ) Returns the natural logarithm of the argument.
log( <a> ) Returns the common logarithm of the argument.
sqrt( <a> ) Returns the square root of the argument.
convert( <a> , <from> , <to> ) This is a unit conversion function.
format( <a> ) This is a number-to-string conversion function.
format( <format> , <a> ) This is a number-to-string conversion function.
<a> between <low> and <high> This function returns “true” (non-zero) for all entries
>= the low value and <= the high value.
Compares: Use these comparison operators to create logical expressions (“true” or

“false” statements) by comparing values. Most of the comparisons apply only to numeric
values, though == (equals) and != (not equals) may be used with numbers and strings. In
addition, the comparison “contains” is valid only for strings.
> Is greater than
< Is less than

== Is equal to
<= Is less than or equal to
>= Is greater than or equal to
!= Is not equal to
contains This function checks to see if the right-hand value is a string which is
contained in the left-hand value.
and Use and to combine two logical expressions. Both expressions must be true for the
whole resulting expression to be true.
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Edit Expression
or Use or to combine two logical expressions. Either expression can be true to make the
entire resulting expression true.
not Use not to negate any logical expression.
( ) Use the parentheses with some of the Operators, as shown in the syntax examples
above, or to group logical expressions to show precedence.
(Numeric Keypad) The number pad works like a calculator, to let you enter numerical
values into the query. The - and . keys are for negative and decimal, respectively.
Expression: The expression is built in this expression definition box. Items that you select
in the above categories are automatically placed at the cursor position in this expression
definition box. You can also directly enter text in this box, delete items, edit, etc.
OK Click to apply this expression to the current class in the Symbology dialog and close
this dialog.
Cancel Click to close this dialog without applying the expression.
Clear Click to clear the Expression definition box.

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Number of Symbology Classes
Number of Symbology Classes

This dialog enables you to enter the number of symbology classes you want for the feature type.
It opens when you select Edit | Set Number of Classes... from the menu bar of the Symbology
dialog.
Number of Classes: Select the number of classes for the symbology.
Generate New Styles Click to generate new styles for the classes. New styles are
based on the default style for this feature type. The color is generated by doing a level slice
from red to violet for the number of classes requested. Depending on the current state of the
Symbology table, the following can be expected:
If classes do not already exist in the Symbology table and this option is selected, then the
specified number of classes will be created and each will have different symbology.
If classes do not already exist in the Symbology table and this option is not selected, then the
specified number of classes will be created, but each will have the same symbology (the
default symbology for this feature type).
If classes already exist and this option is selected, the new styles will overwrite the existing
styles.
If classes already exist and this option is not selected, new styles will not be generated for
any new classes that are created, and any more classes that were generated for which there
was not already a symbology will have the default symbology for this feature type.
OK Click to set number of symbology classes and close this dialog.
Cancel Click to cancel setting the number of symbology classes and close this dialog.
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Equation Evaluation Precision
Equation Evaluation Precision

This dialog enables you to enter the evaluation precision that will be used in the equations used
to create symbology classes. This dialog is opened when you select Edit | Set Evaluation
Precision... from the menu bar of the Symbology dialog.
Precision: Set the number of decimal places to be matched when doing floating-point
comparisons (-1 means all).
OK Click to set the new evaluation precision and close this dialog.
Cancel Click to cancel setting the evaluation precision and close this dialog.

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Equal Divisions
Equal Divisions
This dialog enables you to quickly generate attribute-based symbology by dividing the range of
values in an attribute column into a specified number of classes. Attributes with the same value
are never split between classes. Expressions, names, and (if requested) styles are generated for
each class. The expressions, names, and symbology may then be edited, if desired.
This dialog is opened when you select Automatic | Equal Divisions... from the menu bar of the
Symbology dialog.
(Attribute Name) Click on this popup list to specify the attribute column from which you
want to generate symbology classes.
Number of Classes: Enter the number of divisions you want to create for this range of
attribute values.
styles.
any new classes that are created and any more classes that were generated for which there
OK Click to automatically generate symbology of equal division and close this dialog.
Cancel Click to cancel generating automatic symbology and close this dialog.

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Equal Counts
Equal Counts
This dialog enables you to quickly generate attribute-based symbology by putting an equal
number of features in a user-defined number of classes based on the range of values in the
selected attribute column. Attributes with the same value are never split between classes.
Expressions, names, and (if requested) styles are generated for each class. The expressions,
names, and symbology may then be edited if desired.
This dialog is opened when you select Automatic | Equal Counts... from the menu bar of the
Symbology dialog.
Number of Classes: Enter the number of classes into which to divide the attribute
values.
styles.
any new classes that are created and any more classes that were generated for which there
OK Click to automatically generate symbology of equal counts and close this dialog.

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Unique Value
Unique Value
This dialog enables you to quickly generate attribute-based symbology by creating a separate
class for each unique value in the selected attribute column. Expressions, names, and (if
requested) styles are generated for each class. The expressions, names, and symbology may
then be edited, if desired.
This dialog is opened when you select Automatic | Unique Value... from the menu bar of the
Symbology dialog.
styles.
any new classes that are created, and any more classes that were generated for which there
OK Click to automatically generate symbology of unique values and close this dialog.

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Options
Options
This dialog enables you to set parameters that affect vector selection and editing. This dialog is
opened when you click the icon on the Vector Tools and Commands palette. It is also
opened when you select Vector | Options... from the Viewer menu bar and when you right-hold
Vector Options | Show Options... in the Arrange Layers dialog.
Node Snap Click to enable node snapping. When this option is enabled, new and edited
lines that do not terminate at existing nodes will be automatically snapped to the nearest
node, if there is a node within the set snap distance.
Dist: Enter the node snap distance.
Arc Snap Click to enable arc (line) snapping. When this option is enabled, new and edited
lines that do not terminate at existing nodes will be automatically snapped to the nearest line
if there is a line within the set snap distance. A node will be created at this new intersection.
Dist: Enter the arc snap distance.
Weed Click to enable weeding of new lines. If enabled, vertices must be at least the Weed
Distance apart to be retained.
Dist: Enter the weed distance.
Grain tolerance: Specify the distance between adjacent vertices in lines. This
parameter is used when lines are splined or densified.
Select By: Indicate how features will be selected when using the marquee tools in the
Tools dialog.
Intersect Click to select all features that intersect the marquee.
Contained In Click to select only those features that are completely contained within
the marquee.
Apply Click to apply the selected options.

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Options
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Save Layer As ...
Save Layer As ...

This dialog enables you to save the top layer displayed in a Viewer to a new file. It is opened
when you select File | Save | Top Layer As... in the Viewer menu bar. This dialog is also opened
when you select Save Layer As... from the right-button menu of a layer bar in the Arrange
Layers dialog.

Save as: Enter the name for the new vector layer.
OK Click to save the vector layer and close this dialog.

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Create New Table
Create New Table

This dialog enables you to create a new INFO table. It opens when you select File | New... or
Edit | Create New Table... from the Table Tool dialog.
☞ Create New Table is not available under Windows 95.
Info Directory Path: Enter the path of the workspace where the new table is to be
created.
New Table to Create: Specify the name of the new table to create or an existing table
to overwrite.
Current Column List: The list of columns to be created with the new table.
Add... Click to add a new column to the list. The New Column dialog opens.
Delete Click to delete the selected column from the list.
Edit... Click to edit the definition of the selected column. The Edit Column dialog opens.
OK Click to confirm creating the new table as specified.
Dismiss Click to dismiss (close) this dialog.
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Edit Column
Edit Column
This dialog enables you to change the definition of the selected column before it is created. It
opens when you click the Edit... button on the Create New Table dialog.
☞ The Edit Column dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Column Name: The name of the current column is displayed.
After Column: Click on the popup list to select the column after which the current column
is placed.
Column Type: Click on the popup list to select the column data type.
Character String
Short Integer
Integer
Double Float
Single Float
Date
Internal Width: Enter the number of bytes used internally to store the data.
Display Width: Enter the display width of the column.
Decimal Places: Enter the number of decimal places to display.

OK Click to save the current column definition.
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Open Info Table
Open Info Table

This dialog enables you to open an INFO table. This dialog opens when you select File | Open...
from the Table Tool dialog.
☞ Open Info Table is not available under Windows 95.
Enter the info directory path: Enter the full path of the INFO directory.
Record#: The total number of records in the CellArray is listed.
Item#: The number of items (fields or columns) in each record is listed.
Reclen: The length in bytes of a record is listed. Tables are composed of fixed length
records.
OK Click to open the selected table on the scroll list and dismiss this dialog.
Browse Click (or double click on the table name) to browse the content of the selected table
without dismissing this dialog.
Close Click to close the selected table and clear the CellArray.
Copy... Click to copy the selected table.
Rename... Click to rename the selected table.
Delete... Click to remove the table permanently from the INFO directory.
Merge... Click to merge the selected table with another table.

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Save Table As
Save Table As
This dialog enables you to save the current table to a new name. It opens when you select File
| Save As... from the Table Tool dialog.
☞ Save Table As is not available under Windows 95.
Info Directory Path: Enter the name of the workspace where the table of relates is to
be saved.
Table to Save to: Specify a new table to save to or an existing table to overwrite.
OK Click to save to the table name specified.
Help Click to view the On-Line help for this dialog.
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Add Rows
Add Rows
This dialog enables you to add new rows (records) to the table being edited. It opens when you
select Edit | Add Rows... from the Table Tool dialog or when you click the icon.
☞ The Add Rows dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Number of Rows to Add: Enter the number of rows to add to the bottom of the table.
OK Click to add the row(s).
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Add Column
Add Column
This dialog enables you to define and add a new column to the table being edited. It opens when
you select Edit | Add A Column... from the Table Tool dialog or when you click the icon.
☞ The Add Column dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Column Name: Enter the name of the new column to be added.
After Column: Click on the popup list to select the column after which the new column is
placed.
Character String
Short Integer
Integer
Double Float
Single Float
Date
Internal Width: Enter the number of bytes used internally to store the data. This option
is applicable to character string data only.
OK Click to add the column.
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New Column
New Column
This dialog enables you to define a new column and add it to the current list of columns to be
created with the new table. It opens when you click the Add... button on the Create New Table
dialog.
☞ The New Column dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Column Name: Enter the name of the new column to be added.
After Column: Click on the popup list to select the column after which the new column is
placed.
Character String
Short Integer
Integer
Double Float
Single Float
Date
Internal Width: Enter the number of bytes used internally to store the data. This option
is applicable to character string data only.

OK Click to add the column.
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Copy Info Table
Copy Info Table

This dialog enables you to copy an INFO table. This dialog opens when you select Utilities |
Table Copy... from the Table Tool dialog.
☞ The Copy Info Table is not available under Windows 95.
Source Info directory path: Enter the full path of the source INFO directory.
Table to copy from: Click on the popup list to select the name of the INFO table to copy
from.
Destination Info directory path: Enter the full path of the destination INFO directory.
New table to copy to: Enter the name of the INFO table to copy to.
OK Click to copy the INFO table.
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Rename Info Table
Rename Info Table

This dialog enables you to rename an INFO table. It opens when you select Utilities | Table
Rename... from the Table Tool dialog.
☞ The Rename Info Table is not available under Windows 95.
Source Info directory path: Enter the full path of the source INFO directory.
Table to be renamed: Enter the name of a table to be renamed or click on the popup
list to select a name.
New table name: Enter the name of the table to copy to.
OK Click to rename the INFO table.
Cancel Click to cancel the rename and close this dialog.
86
Delete Info Table
Delete Info Table

This dialog enables you to delete an INFO table. It opens when you select Utilities | Table
Delete... from the Table Tool dialog.
☞ The Delete Info Table is not available under Windows 95.
Specify Info directory path: Enter the full path of the source INFO directory.
Table to be deleted: Click on the popup list to select the name of the table to be deleted.
OK Click to delete the INFO table.
Cancel Click to cancel the delete and close this dialog.
87
Merge Info Tables
Merge Info Tables

This dialog enables you to merge two INFO tables into a single one. This dialog opens when you
select Utilities | Table Merge... from the Table Tool dialog or Merge... in the Open Info Table
dialog.
☞ The Merge Info Tables dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Info directory for input table: Enter the full path of the info directory for the first input
table.
Input table: Click on the popup list to select the first input table to merge.
Relate item (key): Click on the popup list to select the relate item.
Place joined items after: Click on the popup list to select the item after which the items
of the second input table are placed.
Info directory for join table: Enter the full path of the INFO directory for the second
input table.
Join table: Click on the popup list to select the second input table to merge.
Output Info directory path: Enter the full path of the destination INFO directory.
Output table name: Enter the name of the output table.
Relate type: Choose one of the following

Linear Select this option if both tables have the relate item. Both tables can be sorted
in any order.
Ordered Select this option if both tables have the relate item and the join table is sorted
on the relate item.
Link Select this option if you want to use the relate item of the input table as the internal
record number of the join table to match records. Only the input table must contain the
relate item.
OK Click to merge the info tables.
Cancel Click to cancel the merge and close this dialog.
88
Relate Manager
Relate Manager
This dialog enables you to manage the current relate environment. A relate specifies how a
source table can be temporarily joined (or related) with a target table by matching a particular
key column in both tables. Since a relate does not specify the name of the source table, any table
with the specified source column can use this relate. A relate is normally used to establish a soft
link between two tables. When a relate is applied to a table, a temporarily joint table is created
that links the table with a target table specified in the relate. If you want to create a permanent
joint table, use the Merge Info Tables dialog.
Relates exist in the tabletool relate environment once they are created or loaded, until the
tabletool is terminated. They can be saved to an INFO table, and loaded from an INFO table to
the current relate environment. You can use the relate manager to load, save, edit, use existing
relates, or define new relates.
☞ The Relate Manager dialog is not available under Windows 95.

This dialog opens when you select Relate | Relate... from the Table Tool dialog.
Relate List: Lists all relates in the current relate environment.
Relate Description: Displays the definition of the selected relate.

Source Column: Displays the name of the key column in the source table to relate from.
Target Info Directory: Displays the info directory where the target table resides.
Target Table: Displays the name of the target table to relate to.
Target Column: Displays the key column in the target table to relate to.
OK Click to use the selected relate (soft link the current table with the target table and
display it).
Edit... Click to modify an existing relate. The Edit Relate dialog opens.
New... Click to create a new relate. The Creating New Relate dialog opens.
Open... Click to open an existing INFO table that contains relates and add them to the
current relate environment. The Open New Relates dialog opens.
Save... Click to save the current relates into a table. The Save Relates dialog opens.
Delete... Click to delete the selected relate from the current relate environment.
89
Relate Manager
90
Edit Relate
Edit Relate
This dialog enables you to modify an existing relate. It opens when you click on Edit... in the
Relate Manager.
☞ The Edit Relate dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Relate Name: Enter the name of the relate.
Source Column: Enter the key column name of the source table to relate from.
Target Info Directory: Enter the info directory where the target table resides.
Target Table: Click on the popup list to select the target table to relate to.
Target Column: Click on the popup list to select the target column to relate to.
OK Click to save the edits to the relate.
91
Creating New Relate
Creating New Relate

This dialog enables you to create a new relate. It opens when you click on New... in the Relate
Manager.
☞ The Creating New Relate dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Relate Name: Enter the name of the new relate.
Source Column: Enter the key column name of the source table to relate from.
Target Info Directory: Enter the info directory where the target table resides.
Target Table: Click on the popup list to select a target table to relate to.
Target Column: Click on the popup list to select a target column to relate to.
OK Click to confirm adding relate to the current relate environment.
92
Open New Relates
Open New Relates

This dialog enables you to open an existing table that contains relates and then add them to the
current relate environment. This dialog opens when you click on Open... in the Relate Manager.
☞ The Open New Relates dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Info Directory Path: Enter the name of the info directory where the table of relates
resides.
Table of Relates to Open: Specify the table name that contains relates to open.
OK Click to open the table of relates and add them to the current relate environment.
Dismiss Click to dismiss this dialog.
Help Click to view the On- Line Help for this dialog.
93
Save Relates
Save Relates
This dialog enables you to save current relates into an INFO table. This dialog opens when you
click on Save... in the Relate Manager.
☞ The Save Relates dialog is not available under Windows 95.
Info Directory Path: Enter the name of the info directory where the table of relates to
be saved to.
Table to Save Relates to: Specify a new table to save to or an existing table to
overwrite.
OK Click to save current relates to the table name specified.
94
Define Projection Parameters of the Coverage
Define Projection Parameters of the Coverage

This dialog enables you to define projection information for a vector coverage. It opens when you
select Edit | Define Coverage Projection... from the Vector Info dialog.
Define Map Units: Click on this popup list to define the map units for this coverage.
METERS The map units for the coverage are meters.
FEET The map units for the coverage are feet.
RADIANS The map units for the coverage are radians.
DMS - deg./min./sec. The map units for the coverage are degrees/minutes/seconds.
DD - decimal degrees The map units for the coverage are decimal degrees.
DM - decimal minutes The map units for the coverage are decimal minutes.
DS - decimal seconds The map units for the coverage are decimal seconds.
Edit Projection Parameters... Click to edit or view the projection parameters. The
Projection Chooser dialog is opened.
OK Click to accept the projection parameters and close this dialog. This option is disabled
until you define/change the parameters.

Interface manual.
95
Re-Project Coverage Coordinates
Re-Project Coverage Coordinates

This dialog enables you to reproject a vector coverage from one coordinate system to another.
It is opened when you select Edit | Re-project the Coverage... from the Vector Info menu bar.
Output Vector Layer: Enter the name of the new, reprojected coverage.
You cannot write to an existing file.
Define New Projection... Click to define the parameters of the new projection. The
Projection Chooser dialog is opened.
Define Map Units: Click on this popup list to define the map units for this coverage.
METERS The map units for the coverage are meters.
FEET The map units for the coverage are feet.
RADIANS The map units for the coverage are radians.
DMS - deg./min./sec. The map units for the coverage are degrees/minutes/seconds.
DD - decimal degrees The map units for the coverage are decimal degrees.
DM - decimal minutes The map units for the coverage are decimal minutes.
DS - decimal seconds The map units for the coverage are decimal seconds.
OK Click to accept the projection parameters and close this dialog. This option is disabled
until you define the projection parameters.

Interface manual.
96
Specify a Clip Coverage
Specify a Clip Coverage

This dialog enables you to mosaic only the areas in which you are interested by specifying a clip
coverage. This dialog is opened when you click on Specify a clip coverage in the Mosaic
Polygon Coverages dialog.
☞ The Specify a Clip Coverage dialog is not available under Windows 95.

Clip Coverage: Enter the name of the vector layer that you want to use as the clip
coverage. The outer boundaries of the polygons in this coverage will be used as the clip area.
OK Click to use the selected coverage and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
97
Specify a Template Coverage
Specify a Template Coverage

This dialog enables you to use a template coverage when mosaicking polygon coverages. The
template will determine which features are mosaicked. This dialog opens when you click on
Specify a template coverage in the Mosaic Polygon Coverages dialog.
☞ The Specify a Template Coverage dialog is not available under Windows 95.

Template Coverage: Enter the name of the template coverage to use.
OK Click to use the selected coverage and close this dialog.

Interface manual.
98
Raster to ARC/INFO Coverage

This dialog enables you to convert a raster layer to a vector layer. It opens when you click OK in
the Raster to Vector dialog.
Special consideration is needed to determine what image files will convert successfully. The
Line option is intended to convert scanned maps or previously converted line coverages. The
Polygon option works well if the image is less than 512 x 512 in size and not too complex (such
as classified or smoothed images). Raw, complex images may create too many small polygons
or too many small island polygons inside larger polygons than can be easily interpreted. In this
case, the image should be reclassified or smoothed before attempting the conversion.
Select a band to convert: Click on this popup list to select which band of the raster
file to convert to vector format.
Coordinate Indicate which coordinate system to use to select a subset to convert.

Map Click to use map coordinates.
File Click to use file coordinates.
Subset Definition: Specify the subset area to convert.

UL X: Enter the upper left X coordinate of the subset to convert.
UL Y: Enter the upper left Y, coordinate of the subset to convert.
LR X: Enter the lower right X coordinates of the subset to convert.
LR Y: Enter the lower right Y coordinates of the subset to convert.
Output Coverage Type: Indicate the type of output coverage you want to create.
Polygon Click to create a polygon coverage. This option works well if the size of the
image is less than 512 x 512 and is reasonably complex (such as a classified or smoothed
image). Complex, raw images may create more small polygons or more island polygons
within larger polygons than can be easily interpreted.In this case further processing might
be needed before doing the conversion.
Line Click to create a line coverage.This option is intended to convert scanned maps or
line features of an image file previously converted from a vector coverage by the Vector to
Raster utility using the line option.
Point Click to create a point coverage.
99
Vectorization Options: If you are creating a line coverage, you can specify different
vectorization options. If you are creating a polygon coverage, only weed tolerance is relevant.
Foreground Specify which pixels will be considered foreground pixels. Foreground

pixels form the linear features to be converted to vectors.
POSITIVE All pixels whose values are greater than zero belong to the foreground.
All pixels whose values are less than zero or NODATA will belong to the background.
DATA All pixels with values will belong to the foreground. All pixels whose value is
NODATA will belong to the background.
Junction Shape Specify the appearance of line turns.
ROUND Line turns will be rounded.
This option is best for preserving natural features, such as contours.
SHARP Line turns will be sharp.
This option is best for preserving man-made features, such as streets.
Thinning Click to thin foreground pixels before vectorization. This option will allow the
program to run much faster.
➲ Thinning specifies whether or not the foreground cells of the grid will be thinned before
vectorization. The Thinning process thins the line so the user may identify its location on the
original image by reducing the width of the original band.
Use Filter Click to smooth the boundaries between foreground and background pixels.
This option is valid only if Thinning is used. The grid will be filtered to smooth the
boundaries between foreground and background cells.
➲ Smoothing adds more vertices or points to the line so it appears curved instead of sharp.
INFO Item Name: Enter the name of the item in the arc attribute table of the output vector
layer to contain the attribute of the grid cell. If # is entered, no item or attribute information
will be written to the arc attribute table.
100
Thickness: Enter the maximum thickness, in map units, of linear features in the input
raster layer. The default is 10X the cell size if the Thinning option is used, or 2X the cell
size if Thinning is not used.
Dangle Length: Enter the minimum length, in map units, of dangling arcs that will be
retained in the output vector layer. The default is 0.7 x the thickness if the Thinning option
is used, or 0.0 if Thinning is not used.
Weed Tolerance: Enter the weed tolerance, in map units, for the generalization of arcs.
The default is 0.00. This is the minimum distance between vertices on a line.
OK Click to convert the layer and close this dialog.
Cancel Click to cancel the conversion and close this dialog.
Batch Click to include this function in a batch file.

Interface manual.
101
Convert Vector Layer to Raster Layer

This dialog enables you to convert a vector layer to a raster layer. It opens when you click OK in
the Vector to Raster dialog. Converting a large vector coverage will require a large amount of
disk space for scratch files in the current directory (where you start ERDAS IMAGINE) and
considerable response time.
i Vector to Raster writes temporary files to the vector scratch file directory (either linegrid.aml,
plygrid.aml, or pointgrid.aml), and then deletes them when finished. if the files already exist,
they are overwritten.
Input Coverage Type: Specify the input vector layer type to convert.
Polygon The layer you want to convert contains polygons.
➲ For more information see Rules for Pixel Inclusion within Polygons.
Line The layer you want to convert contains lines.
Point The layer you want to convert contains points.
Subset Definition (in Map Coord’s): You can specify a subset to convert in map
coordinates.
UL X: Enter the upper left X map coordinates of the subset to convert.
UL Y: Enter the upper left Y map coordinates of the subset to convert.
LR X: Enter the lower right X map coordinates of the subset to convert.
LR Y: Enter the lower right Y map coordinates of the subset to convert.
Output Options: Specify the following output options.

Pixel Size Specify the pixel size of the file. The default is x_range of the coverage/1000,
or 40 if x_range is not available.
Block Size: Specify the block size. The default is 64.
Lookup Table File: Enter the name of the INFO file used to define grid cell codes. If a
file is specified, the lookup table must contain two items: VALUE and CODE. The CODE
must be defined as numeric in INFO. The lookup table must be sorted in ascending order
based on the VALUE Item.
102
☞ You must be running ERDAS IMAGINE from the current workspace for this option to work.
On Windows machines, the current session is started in the Session | Session Log... off the
main menu. You must specify the complete path of the info. table. If the complete path is not
given, the program assumes the info. table is in the current workspace.
Weight Table File: Enter the name of the INFO file to be used to assign weights to the
grid cell codes. These weights are used to resolve cases when a single cell can have
several possible codes. In this case, the code with the highest weight will be assigned to
the cell. The weight table must have two items: CODE and WEIGHT. Both items must be
defined as numeric in INFO. If a code is not in the weight table, it is assigned a weight of
0. The weight table must be sorted in ascending order based on CODE.
☞ You must be running ERDAS IMAGINE from the current workspace for this option to work.
On Windows machines, the current session is started in the Session Log off the main menu.
You must specify the complete path of the info. table. If the complete path is not given, the
program assumes the info. table is in the current workspace.
Output Image Type: Select the type of output file to create.
Thematic Click to create a thematic layer.
Continuous Click to create a continuous layer.
Output Pixel Data Type: Click on this popup list to specify the output data type.
Data Compression: Click on this popup list to specify data compression type.
An Item as Pixel Value: Specify an item in the input coverage AAT or PAT that is used
to assign codes to the grid. By default, the internal fault ID (coverage_name#) is used.
Background Cell Value: Specify the value for cells which do not overlay line/point
features in the coverage. This option is valid for line and point coverages only.
NODATA If Output Pixel Data Type: is signed, the raster background value will be a
very large negative number. If it is unsigned, the raster background value will be zero.
ZERO The raster background value is always zero.
Create Pyramid Layers Click to create pyramid layers for the output raster layer.
Ignore Zero in Output Stats. Click to ignore zeros when computing statistics for the
output raster layer.
OK Click to convert the selected file and close this dialog.
103
Batch Click to include this function in a batch file.

Interface manual.
104

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Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Clean Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Build Vector Layer Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Copy Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

External Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rename Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Delete Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Subset Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Mosaic Polygon Coverages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Transform Vector Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Create Polygon Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Import ASCII File To Point Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Vector Tools (Large Format) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Vector Tools and Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Vector Tools and Commands (Large Format) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Vector Attribute Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Select Vector Symbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Save Symbology As ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Number of Symbology Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Equation Evaluation Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Save Layer As ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Create New Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Open Info Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Copy Info Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Rename Info Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Delete Info Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Merge Info Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Creating New Relate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Open New Relates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Define Projection Parameters of the Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Re-Project Coverage Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Specify a Clip Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Specify a Template Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Raster to ARC/INFO Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Convert Vector Layer to Raster Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

How to recognize different versions of coverages:

☞ The Raster to Vector... utility is not available under Windows 95.

☞ The Vector to Raster... utility is not available under Windows 95.

Close Click to close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

Clean Vector Layer

☞ Clean Vector Layer is not available under Windows 98 or Windows 2000.

*.arcinfo to search for ARC/INFO coverages (IMAGINE vector layers)

Polygon The layer to clean contains polygons.

Line The layer to clean contains lines.

Negative values and 0 are not accepted.

Batch Click to include this process in a batch file.

Cancel Click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

Build Vector Layer Topology

☞ Build Vector Layer Topology is not available under Windows 95.

*.arcinfo to search for ARC/INFO coverages (IMAGINE vector layers)

Batch Click to include this process in a batch file.

Cancel Click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.

Copy Vector Layer

*.arcinfo to search for ARC/INFO coverages (IMAGINE vector layers)

Batch Click to include this process in a batch file.

Cancel Click to cancel this process and close this dialog.

Help Click to see this On-Line Help document.