Save String/DTM
This function saves the contents of the active layer to a file. The file which is created may be the same file from which the data was recalled or it may be a new file.
To run this function: Choose File > Save > String\DTM , or...
Strings will be saved to a string or observation file exactly as they exist in the graphics layer.
The string file header includes the name of the drawing styles file that is used to define how the string data is to be drawn on the screen. During the course of a Graphics session it is possible that you may make changes to these drawing styles. If this is so, the SAVE FILE function will automatically save the styles file so that the changes are recorded for future reference.
If the STYLES LOAD or STYLES UNLOAD functions are used during the course of a graphics session and the name of the styles file associated with a graphics layer is changed, it is the new styles file name that is subsequently recorded with the string file after using the SAVE FILE function.
Fields on the Unload strings to a file form
Layer
Display only. The name of the active layer from which the data are to be saved is displayed.
Location, Id Number and File type
Specify the file which is to be created by entering the Location, the file Id Number and File type.
The File type must be one of:
- S, for string files (.str), or
- O, for observation files (.obs), or
- D, for digital terrain models (.dtm), or
- T, for a free format, comma delimited text file (.txt).
The text file does not contain any header information; only string records.
Each string record contains the string number, the coordinates of the point and up to 100 point attributes commonly referred to as descriptions fields.
A sample .txt file is shown below.
1, 2249.397, -454.674, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2232.743, -447.315, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2223.863, -446.235, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2210.945, -425.035, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2197.358, -413.473, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2196.405, -405.092, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2199.522, -401.956, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2199.350, -396.834, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2191.221, -365.203, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2182.226, -334.420, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2183.550, -326.557, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2189.001, -322.436, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2198.894, -324.121, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2206.882, -337.478, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2219.021, -361.662, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2231.238, -380.893, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2245.138, -397.322, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
1, 2249.132, -385.370, 990.000, D1,D2,D3,...
Purpose
.str and .obs files contain a purpose field in the file header which is used to describe the contents of the file.
You may enter the purpose of the file here so that it is recorded in the file header.
Range
Enter the range of strings which are to be unloaded. If the range is blank then all strings will be unloaded.
Format
Choose the format in which to save string or DTM files:
- binary, for binary files
- text, for text files.
Note:You may use binary or text formatted string and DTM files. Binary format files are compatible across all hardware platforms.
Load and save times are significantly reduced when working with large data sets in binary format.
The default behaviour, that is whether to use binary or text format files is determined by the user defined `string file format' parameter in defaults.ssi.
Result
The data in the active layer is written to the specified file. If the file already exists then you will be prompted to confirm the save with a verification form to prevent accidental overwriting of the existing file.
Messages
xxx points written to file yyy
The number of points written to the file named `yyy' is the value represented by `xxx'