ACE Cartographic Software -- Help

• Copyright
• Basic Concepts
  • Using the Mouse
    • The Pointer
    • The Cursor
  • General Toolbar
  • Editing Toolbar
  • Status Bar
  • Zooming In or Out
    • To zoom in or out:
    • To zoom in on an area:
  • Refreshing the Screen
  • Redrawing a Map
  • Setting up and Using Snap to Grid Options
    • To move a feature with the snap grid:
    • To display the grid on screen:
    • To enable the snap to grid feature:
    • To setup the grid:
  • Using WYSIWYG Options
    • Option Off
    • Option On
    • Custom Options
      • Custom:Thickness Option
      • Custom:Pattern Option
      • Custom:Text Option
      • Custom:Raster Option
  • Using Undo and Redo
    • To Undo an action:
    • To Redo an action:
  • Exporting a Map in Adobe Illustrator Format (AI, EPS)
    • To export your map in Adobe Illustrator format:
  • Setting User Preferences
    • Find Tolerance
    • Symbol Editor Size
    • Cursor Size
    • Memory Optimization
    • Save
    • Undo/Redo Memory
  • Browse RepCodes
• Using a Tablet (Digitizing Table)
  • Setting up the Tablet
    • To setup the tablet device:
  • Establishing the Map Tie-Down
    • To establish map tie-down:
  • Preference File
  • Using the Tablet
• Managing Map Projects
  • Map Project File (MAH)
  • PIX File
  • Creating a New Map
    • To create a new map:
  • Opening a Map
    • Opening a MAH File
      • Opening ACE 2.x MAH Files
    • Opening SPANS CMD Files
      • To set the SYSDIR environment variable:
      • To open a CMD file:
      • Supported Entities
      • PIX File Creation
      • Support of the Window Definition
      • RST Creation
      • Symbol File
    • Opening PAMAP Header Files
      • To open a PAMAP file:
      • Raster RST Creation
      • Vector RST Creation
      • PAMAP Fonts
      • Conversion Notes
  • Graphical Map Manager
    • Graphical Map Manager Icons
    • Context Sensitive Menus
      • To display the context sensitive menu for an Area branch:
    • Expanding and Collapsing Branches
      • To expand or collapse a branch of the tree:
    • Selecting and Moving Elements
      • To select one element:
      • To select consecutive elements:
      • To select non-consecutive elements:
      • To move elements:
    • Renaming Elements
      • To rename elements:
      • Alternate way to rename elements:
  • Setting up General Map Properties
    • To setup general map properties:
  • Setting up the Page
    • To setup the page:
  • Defining the Default RST
    • To define the default RST:
  • Renaming a Map
    • To rename a map:
  • Closing a Map
  • Saving a Map
  • Saving a Map Under a Different Name
• Working with Areas
  • Adding an Area to a Map
    • To add a new area:
  • Setting up General Area Properties
    • To setup general Area properties:
  • Setting up Area Representation
    • To setup area representation:
  • Editing an Area
    • To cut an existing area:
    • To copy an area:
    • To rename an area:
    • To delete an existing area:
  • Changing the Map Layout
    • To select an area:
    • To move an area:
    • Resizing an Area
      • To resize an area:
    • Rescaling an Area
      • To rescale an area:
  • Showing/Hiding Areas
• Working with Layers
  • To cut and paste an existing layer:
  • To copy and paste a layer:
  • To remove an existing layer:
  • To rename a layer:
  • Making a Layer Active
    • To set a layer active:
  • Adding Vector or Raster Layers
    • To add existing vector or raster layers:
    • To select vector layers or raster channels:
  • Using the Layer Manager
    • To use the Layer Manager:
    • To rename a layer:
    • Changing Layer Properties
      • To change the properties of one layer:
      • To change the properties of all layers under an area:
      • To change the properties of all layers under a map:
      • To change the properties of all layers under all loaded maps:
      • To change the active layer:
      • To change the active map:
    • Working with Layer Manager Icons
      • Using the Displayed properties icons.
      • Using the Editable icons.
      • Using the Loaded property icons.
      • Using the Active property icons.
  • Working with Vector Layers
    • Creating a New Vector Layer
      • To create a new vector layer:
    • Saving a Vector Layer
      • To save a vector layer:
    • Setting Vector Layer Properties
      • To setup general vector layer properties:
    • Linking a Vector Layer to a RST
      • To link a layer with a RST:
      • To link foreign data layers to a RST:
      • To unlink a layer from a RST:
    • Defining Vector Attributes
      • To define vector attributes of features:
    • Rotating Vector Layers
      • To rotate a vector layer:
  • Working with Raster Layers
    • Types of Images Supported
      • RGB
      • Greyscale
      • Bitmap (1-Bit)
      • 8-Bit Thematic
      • 16-Bit Thematic
    • Setting General Raster Layer Properties
      • To setup general raster layer properties:
    • Linking a Thematic Raster Layer to a RST
      • To link a layer with a RST:
      • To unlink a layer from a RST:
    • Setting Raster Layer Composition
      • To edit the composition of a raster layer:
    • Enhancing Images
      • To setup enhancements:
      • None (No Enhancement)
      • Linear Enhancement
      • Equalize Enhancement
      • Root Enhancement
      • Infrequency Enhancement
      • Darken and Brighten
• RepCodes and RSTs
  • RST Properties
    • To setup general RST properties:
    • To rename a RST:
    • Changing RST Units
      • To change RST Unit values:
      • Conversion Warnings
  • Using the RST Editor
    • To access the RST editor:
    • Using the Tree List
      • To select a Group under the RST:
      • To expand a Group level in the left window and select one of its RepCodes:
    • Using the Toolbar
    • Using Context Sensitive Menus
    • Using the Preview Window
    • Managing Groups and RepCodes
      • To create a new Group:
      • To delete an existing Group:
      • To cut or copy a Group:
      • To edit the properties of a Group:
      • To create a new RepCode:
      • To edit the Value and Description of a RepCode
      • To cut or copy RepCodes:
      • To delete a RepCode:
    • Working with Parts and Priority
      • Priority
        • To change a priority:
      • Parts
        • To add parts:
        • To cut or copy a part:
        • To remove parts:
    • Graphical Representations Available
      • To change the graphical representation of a RepCode:
      • Vector Graphical Representations
      • Image Graphical Representations
    • Setting Parameters
      • To modify parameters:
      • List of Available Parameters
        • Alignment
        • Angle
        • BackColor
        • Color
        • Dash-Length
        • Diameter
        • Distance-From-Axis
        • EndStyle
        • Font
        • JoinStyle
        • Offset
        • Opacity
        • Orientation
        • Scale
        • Size
        • Space-Length
        • Step
        • SymbolId
        • Width
        • XSpacing, YSpacing
    • Changing Color
      • To change colours:
      • To add a new colour to the Colour Palette:
  • Creating a New RST
    • To create an empty RST from scratch:
  • Opening an Existing RST
    • To open an existing RST:
  • Building a RST From a PCT Segment
    • To build a RST from a PCT segment:
    • What is a Pseudocolour Table (PCT)?
  • Saving a RST
    • To save a RST:
  • Saving a RST Under a Different Name
  • Removing a RST
    • To remove a RST:
• Editing Features
  • Selecting Features
    • To select one feature:
    • To select multiple features:
    • To perform a window selection:
    • To deselect a selected feature:
    • To deselect multiple features:
  • Moving Features
    • To move one feature:
    • To move multiple features:
  • Using the Cursor
    • Locking/Unlocking the Cursor
      • To lock/unlock the cursor (depending on its actual state):
    • Positioning the Cursor
      • To position the cursor manually:
      • To position the cursor with coordinates:
  • Arranging Features
    • Cutting, Copying and Pasting Features
      • To cut, copy and paste a feature:
    • Grouping and Ungrouping Features
      • To group features together:
      • To ungroup features:
    • Attaching and Detaching Features (Polygons)
      • To attach features:
      • To detach features:
    • Rotating Features
      • To rotate features with the "Edit:Rotate" task:
      • To rotate features using the "Rotate" tool of the toolbar:
    • Making Mirror of Features
      • To mirror a feature:
      • To create a symmetrical object:
  • Drawing Features
    • Selecting a RepCode Before Drawing
      • To select a RepCode before drawing:
    • Drawing Lines/Polylines
      • To draw lines/polylines:
      • To insert a symbol/simple point:
    • Drawing Circles or Ellipses
      • To draw a circle or an ellipse:
    • Drawing Squares or Rectangles
      • To draw a square or a rectangle:
  • Displaying Selective Features
    • Selecting Features to be Displayed
      • To select which RepCodes to display:
    • Using Conditional Display
      • To set conditional display of RepCodes:
  • Changing the RepCode of a Selected Feature
    • To change the RepCode of a feature:
  • Using Special Tools
    • Measuring Distances
      • To measure distances:
      • To use the "Ruler" tool while drawing or using Line Editing tools:
    • Viewing and Editing Feature Attributes
      • To view attributes of features:
      • To edit feature attributes:
      • To create a new attribute:
    • Inserting Contour Values
      • To insert contour values:
    • Inserting Labels
      • To insert labels:
• Working with Text
  • Languages Supported
    • How to Use Supported Languages
    • Native Language Limitations
    • Language-Specific Notes - Thai
    • Language-Specific Notes - Double-Byte
  • Using the Text Window
  • Selecting Text
  • Adding Text
    • To type text directly on screen:
    • To set formatting options before typing text:
    • Typing in Japanese
    • Typing in Chinese
    • Typing in Korean
    • Typing in Arabic/Farsi/Hebrew
    • Importing a Text File
      • To import an existing ASCII text file:
  • Editing Text
    • To modify text on screen:
    • To modify text in a text editor (paragraphs):
    • Curving Text on a Feature
      • To curve text:
      • To curve text on an existing feature:
    • Smoothing Text
      • To smooth text:
      • To smooth text on an existing feature:
    • Straightening Text
    • Deleting Text
  • Moving and Rotating Text
    • Moving Text
      • To move fixed text:
      • To move curved or smoothed text:
      • To move one character of a curved or smoothed text:
    • Rotating Text
      • To rotate fixed text:
      • To rotate curved or smoothed text:
      • To rotate one character of a curved or smoothed text:
  • Formatting Text
    • To select a font RepCode:
    • To set a text angle:
      • To select a text alignment:
  • Adding New Fonts to ACE
    • Adding New Fonts on Windows
      • To add new TrueType fonts to your computer:
      • To add new PostScript® fonts:
    • Adding New PostScript Fonts On Unix
      • To add new PostScript fonts:
    • Adding New Fonts to the RepCode List
      • To create new font RepCodes:
    • Font Migration from Older Versions of ACE (Before 3.1)
      • To do the fonts substitution:
• Adding a Surround
  • Some Notes on the Surround
  • Supported Surround Options for Each ACE Module
  • Working with Quick Styles
    • To add a Quick Style to the list:
    • To remove a Quick Style from the list:
  • Working with Surrounds
    • Creating a New Surround
      • To create a new Surround from the Surround window:
      • Default Quick Style and Application Area's Size
      • To generate default Surround elements:
      • To customize surround elements when creating a new Surround:
    • Hiding / Displaying Surround Elements
      • To hide all Surround elements:
      • To hide a specific Surround element:
    • Editing Existing Surround Elements
    • Selecting Other RepCodes
  • Positioning Surround Elements
    • Bounding Box Concept
    • To position surround elements with the "Position" tab:
    • Setting Advanced Positioning Options
      • To set advanced position options:
  • Positioning a Neatline Around the Map
    • To create or edit a Neatline:
    • To set advanced options for the Neatline
  • Creating a Border
    • To create or edit a Border:
    • To set advanced Border properties:
  • Adding a North Arrow Diagram
    • To create or edit a True North symbol:
    • To create or edit a Magnetic North symbol:
    • To create or edit a Grid North symbol:
    • To set advanced North Arrow heading options:
  • Selecting a Scale Bar
    • To create or edit a new scale bar:
    • Selecting a Scale Bar Type
      • To select which type of scale bar to generate:
    • Defining the Scale Bar Layout
      • To set up a Line and Ticks Scale Bar:
      • To set up a barred Scale Bar:
    • Setting up Scale Bar Divisions
      • To set up the divisions of a scale bar:
      • To set up scale bar divisions advanced properties:
    • Setting up Scale Bar Subdivisions
      • To set up the subdivisions of a scale bar:
      • To set up scale bar subdivisions advanced properties:
  • Adding a Legend
    • To create or edit a Legend:
    • Inserting a Legend Title
      • To insert a Legend title:
    • Filtering the Legend
      • To filter the Legend:
    • Setting up the Legend Structure
      • To set up the Legend structure:
      • To setup Legend item properties:
      • To setup Legend Section Properties:
      • To set up advanced Section Properties:
    • Setting up Columns
      • To set up columns:
  • Inserting a Grid
    • To setup advanced Spacing properties:
    • Defining Grid Headings
    • Defining Grid Layout
  • Using a Logo
  • Adding Titles
    • To add titles:
• Indexation Tools
  • Setting up General Indexation Parameters
    • To create or edit an Index:
  • Inserting an Index Title
    • To insert an Index title:
  • Setting up the Grid
    • To set up the grid:
  • Index Filtering
    • To filter the index:
  • Generating an Index List
    • To generate an Index List:
    • To set up advanced Indexation properties:
• Line Editing Tools
  • To access the Line Editing tools:
  • Selecting, Moving and Deleting Nodes
    • To select a feature:
    • To select one node for editing:
    • To select more than one node for editing:
    • To move one or more nodes:
    • To delete a node:
  • Joining Features
    • To join two features:
  • Merging Lines
    • To merge features:
  • Splitting a Feature
    • To split a feature:
  • Adding Nodes
    • To add nodes:
  • Extending a Line
    • To extend a line:
  • Snapping Lines Together
    • To snap features:
  • Reversing the Digitizing Order
    • To reverse the digitizing order:
  • Verifying Nodes
    • To verify nodes:
• Printing Files
  • To print on a Windows System:
    • To set paper setup options:
    • PCIDSK Image File Driver Case
  • To print on Unix systems:
    • Printer Drivers available on Unix
      • PostScript Level 2
      • Canon Bubble Jet
      • CalComp 68000 series
      • ColorMaster Plus
      • ColorQuick (4697)
      • HP DeskJet
      • Epson
      • HP 7600 series
      • HP LaserJet
      • HP RTL
      • PhaserII (4694 SX/DX)
      • Phaser III RX
      • Tektronix 4693
      • Tektronix 4696
      • Versatec
        • VERSATEC Models
        • FORMATS
      • PCIDSK File
  • Copying a File to the Printer
  • Colour Separations
    • To print colour separations:
• Symbol Editor
  • Symbol Files
    • Symbol File Properties
    • Creating or Linking a Symbol File
      • To link an existing symbol file to a RST:
      • To unlink a symbol file from a RST:
      • To create a new symbol file:
  • Using the Symbol Editor
    • To start the Symbol Editor:
  • Using the Working Grid Area
    • Using the Bounding Box and Guides
    • Ranges of the Symbol Editor
      • Range Of the Drawing Area
      • Range Of the Bounding Box
  • Symbol Editor General Toolbar
  • Symbol Editor Editing Toolbar
  • Managing the Symbol Editor RST
    • Using the Symbol Editor's RST
      • To access the Symbol Editor RST:
      • To edit the properties of a RepCode:
      • To create a new RepCode:
      • To delete a RepCode from the Symbol Editor RST:
    • Changing the RepCode of an Object
      • To change the RepCode of an object:
  • Creating a New Symbol
    • Selecting a RepCode Before Drawing
      • To select a RepCode before drawing:
    • Creating a New Symbol
  • Editing an Existing Symbol
    • To select a symbol to edit:
    • Moving an Object or a Symbol
      • To move part of a symbol (object):
      • To move an entire symbol:
    • Editing an Object
      • To edit an object:
      • To delete an object:
  • Saving a Symbol File
  • Deleting a Symbol from the Symbol File
    • To delete a symbol that is displayed in the drawing area:
    • To delete another symbol:
  • Digitizing a Symbol with a Digitizing Table
  • Displaying a Symbol on the Map
    • Changing the Colour of a Symbol
  • Exiting the Symbol Editor
    • To exit the Symbol Editor:
• Using the ACE MicroStation Translator
  • Before Opening MicroStation
    • To prepare the translation:
  • Setting Translation Parameters
    • To translate DGN files to ACE:
  • Creating a Schema File (.sck) From a DGN File
    • To create the Schema file (.sck):
  • Setting a Paper Size for a Desired Scale
    • To get the right scale in ACE: