Open plot
This function allows you to recall and display any plot file or clash file.
Prerequisites: The Plotting window.is open.
To run this function: In the Plotting window, choose File > Open, or...
Plot files and clash files may be appended to or replace any existing plot currently displayed in Plot Preview. Alternatively the selected plot file or clash file may be recalled into a totally separate viewport, keeping the two plots separate.
Fields on the Recall plot file form
Plot File
Enter the name of the plot file or the clash file which is to be recalled.
Action
You may replace the plot in the current viewport with the contents of the specified file by entering `replace'. Note: When recalling and using the 'replace' option, all undo information is purged from the undo list.
Appending plots is an easy way of placing more than one plot on a single sheet of paper. Select 'append' in the recall plot form to display the Append Plot File form. This form gives you information related to the sheet size of the plot currently recalled into plot preview. Changing the current size of the plot will increase the final output sheet size.
If you want a specific sheet size for the final output (ie. A3), select the required size and orientation and press the Set to Sheet button. This will set the current sheet size to the required sheet size.
The Add buttons will add sheet size of the plot being recalled to the current sheet size. If you have an a4 plot in memory, and wish to recall another a4 plot next to it, press the Add on the width line, and the sheet size will be increased to allow for both plots side by side.
Once the sheet size has been set, it may be necessary to define a reference point. This is the point at which the graphics box (next step) will be placed. The reference point is useful if you want to place two plots adjacent to each other, and be absolutely certain that they line up exactly. Leaving the reference point as (0,0) will overlay exactly with the currently loaded plot.
Once a reference point has been selected, and the form applied, the graphics window will again be displayed, and there will be an outline of the plot to be placed. If you are happy with the positioning, press the apply key and the plot will be permanently placed in the required position. Pressing escape will return you to the form. It is also possible to move the plot graphically, by simply clicking the box anywhere, and then dragging the box to the required position. It is possible to do this as many times as you like, until the apply key is pressed to place the plot.
If the final output sheet size is known before the first plot is recalled, 'append' can still be used. Simply select 'append' and set the appropriate sheet size, and then place the plot in the required position. Then recall the subsequent plots and place them where required on the sheet.
Note: When appending, it is incorrect to place any portion of the new plot outside the scope of the sheet size. Attempting to do this will result in a warning message, and the plot will have to be repositioned. The current sheet size has to be large enough to accommodate the new plot. If you are unsure of the page size, turn on the page border by selecting the Controls - Page Borders button.
Another consideration to make with the appending of plots is that, unlike Process Map which will perform clashing of lines and symbols when processing multiple maps onto a single map sheet, in effect appending plots together, Plot Preview WILL NOT perform any clashing of lines and symbols when appending plots together.
Finally, you may recall a plot into a newly created viewport, by selecting the 'new viewport' option. There is no interaction between viewports, effectively placing each viewport in it's own Plot Preview. All editing tools, including undo, work only of the currently active viewport. Any background viewports will not be affected.
Output
After successfully recalling the contents of the file, Graphics is updated to show the resultant plot.