How to Manipulate Symbols

Symbols are graphic objects used in cartography to represent, in a conventional way, several types of activities, facilities, signs and institutional logotypes.

Symbols might have complex graphic shapes. Since there are available in the market many specific graphic software, there is no need for a map generator to create such a cartographic symbols library.

SCARTA has adopted for its symbols library the following standard formats: DXF (created by AutoDesk, Inc.) and BITMAP (24 bits), based on the fact that most graphic software, available in the market, are capable of exporting in these formats.

NOTE: The user can add symbols to the SPRING library by copying the DXF file into the folder /etc/chart/symbol and the BITMAP file into the folder /etc/chart/bitmaps.

Inserting Symbols in a Map:

  • on the Chart Elements Editor window, click on Insert and select Symbols.... The dialog box Insert Symbols is presented;
  • in the option Format, select (DXF or BITMAP);
  • on the list of Symbols, select one - its content is presented on the side window;
  • double click on the map area until you hear a “bip” sound and observe that the X and Y values (or Lat: and Long:) are presented on the Chart Elements Editor window, at the Position Control option;
  • click on Insert. The symbol will be presented on the chosen position (see how to handle the elements characteristics).

How to Handle Map Elements