DATEM Capture For AutoCAD

Title Page
DAT/EM CAPTURE ™
Stereoplotter Interface and Mapping Tools
For Use with AutoCAD®

and SUMMIT EVOLUTION ™ PROFESSIONAL EDITION
or SUMMIT EVOLUTION FEATURE COLLECTION EDITION
Operation Manual
Copyright © DAT/EM Systems International 2010

DAT/EM CAPTURE for AutoCAD Document
Last Document Edit Date: September 21, 2010
Copyright © DAT/EM SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL 2010

Made in U.S.A.
For questions concerning this document, contact:
DAT/EM SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL

8240 Sandlewood Place, Suite 101
Anchorage, Alaska 99507 USA
Phone (907) 522-3681
Fax (907) 522-3688
web site www.datem.com
DAT/EM Systems International Notice
Copyright © 2010 DAT/EM SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL
8240 Sandlewood Place, Suite 101, Anchorage, Alaska 99507 USA
Telephone: (907)522-3681, Fax: (907)522-3688
E-mail: sales@datem.com, Web: www.datem.com
All Rights Reserved

Printed in the United States of America
DAT/EM Product(s) Covered by this Notice:
• AIRFIELD3D • DAT/EM TOUCHPAD • SUPER/IMPOSITION

• CONTOUR CREATOR • DAT/EM TOUCHSCREEN • SUMMIT EVOLUTION
• DAT/EM CAPTURE • LANDSCAPE • SUMMIT EVOLUTION DAT/EM VIEWER
• DAT/EM IMA CONVERSION • MAP/EDITOR • SUMMIT EVOLUTION PROJECT VIEWER
• DAT/EM KEYPAD
This manual is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or part, be copied,
photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in
writing, from DAT/EM Systems International (hereinafter DAT/EM). The information in this manual has been carefully
checked and is believed to be accurate. However, DAT/EM assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be
contained in this manual. In no event will DAT/EM be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages
resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. In the interest of
continued product development, DAT/EM reserves the right to make improvements in this manual and the products it
describes at any time, without notice or obligation.
DAT/EM Systems International License Agreement

This is a legal agreement between the original purchaser (hereinafter CUSTOMER) and DAT/EM Systems International (hereinafter
DAT/EM). BY OPENING THIS SEALED DISK PACKAGE, CUSTOMER AGREES TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS
AGREEMENT. IF CUSTOMER DOES NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE SEALED DISK PACKAGE AND
THE ACCOMPANYING ITEMS (including hardware, written materials, and binders or other containers) MUST BE RETURNED TO
DAT/EM WITHIN 90 (NINETY) DAYS IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR A FULL REFUND.
This software product is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by DAT/EM. The distribution and sale of this product are intended for the
use of the original purchaser only and for use only on the computer system specified. Copying, duplicating, or otherwise distributing this
product is a violation of the law.
DAT/EM Software License

1. GRANT OF LICENSE. DAT/EM grants to CUSTOMER the right to use one copy of the enclosed SOFTWARE
on a single terminal connected to a single computer. CUSTOMER may not network the SOFTWARE or
otherwise use it on more than one computer or computer terminal at the same time.
2. COPYRIGHT. The SOFTWARE is owned by DAT/EM and is protected by United States copyright laws and
international treaty provisions. Therefore, CUSTOMER must treat the SOFTWARE like any other copyrighted
material, except that CUSTOMER may either (a) make one copy of the SOFTWARE solely for backup or
archival purposes, or (b) transfer the SOFTWARE to a single hard disk provided CUSTOMER keep the original
solely for backup or archival purposes. CUSTOMER may not copy the written materials accompanying the
SOFTWARE.
3. OTHER RESTRICTIONS. CUSTOMER may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE.
4. CUSTOMER MAY NOT USE, COPY, MODIFY, OR TRANSFER THE SOFTWARE OR ANY COPY IN
WHOLE OR IN PART, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS LICENSE. ALL RIGHTS NOT
EXPRESSLY GRANTED ARE RESERVED BY DAT/EM OR ITS SUPPLIERS.
Notice Page 1 of 4
DAT/EM United States Limited Warranty
DAT/EM warrants to CUSTOMER that the DAT/EM product(s) listed above, excluding items such as software, disks, and related documen-
tation, will be free from defects in material and/or workmanship for one year from the date of delivery. During the warranty period, DAT/EM
will correct any defects in material or workmanship, or any failure of the product to conform to specifications, at no charge for labor and
materials. Any replacement part(s)/product shall be new or serviceable used part(s)/product. Any replacements are warranted for the remain-
der of the original warranty or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer. The original owner must promptly notify DAT/EM in writing if there is
a defect in material or workmanship. Written notice in all events must be received by DAT/EM before the expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty is not transferable.
This one-year Limited Warranty covers normal use. DAT/EM does not warrant or cover:
• damage during shipment other than original shipment to CUSTOMER;
• damage caused by impact with other objects, dropping, falls, spilled liquids, or immersion in liquids;
• damage caused by a disaster such as fire, flood, wind, earthquake, or lightning;
• damage caused by riot, war, or acts of terrorism committed within the U.S. or internationally;
• damage caused by unauthorized attachments, alterations, modifications, or foreign objects;
• damage caused by peripherals;
• defects caused by failure to provide a suitable installation environment for the DAT/EM product;
• damage caused by the use of the DAT/EM product for purposes other than those for which it was designed;
• damage from improper maintenance;
• damage caused by any other abuse, misuse, mishandling, or misapplication.
DAT/EM’s liability for failure to repair the DAT/EM product to conform to the warranty after a reasonable number of attempts will be lim-
ited to a replacement product, or at DAT/EM’s option, a refund not to exceed the purchase price of the DAT/EM product. These remedies are
CUSTOMER’s exclusive remedies for breach of warranty.
Under no circumstances shall DAT/EM be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages based upon breach of warranty, breach
of contract, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory. Such damages include, but are not limited to, loss of profits, loss of revenue,
loss of use of the DAT/EM product or any associated equipment, cost of capital, cost of substitute or replacement equipment, facilities or ser-
vices, down time, CUSTOMER’s time, the claims of third parties, including CUSTOMER’s clients, and injury to property.
International Warranty
The warranty for international CUSTOMERs is the same as the DAT/EM United States Limited Warranty, with the following exception: On
all orders for replacement part(s)/product, CUSTOMER is responsible for any customs fees, taxes or value added tax that may be due.
Disclaimer Of Warranties
THE WARRANTY STATED ABOVE IS THE ONLY WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO THIS PRODUCT. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE), ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIM-
ITED TO THE 90-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE), OR ADVICE GIVEN BY DAT/EM, ITS AGENTS, OR ITS EMPLOYEES
SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY OR IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF THIS WARRANTY. THIS DISCLAIMER OF WAR-
RANTIES AND LIMITED WARRANTY ARE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ALASKA IN THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA.
Notice Page 2 of 4
Service Under Warranty
To obtain service, please follow this procedure:
1. With the invoice number ready, call or fax DAT/EM’s technical support department: Telephone 1-800-770-3681
or 907-522-3681, Fax 907-522-3688, or email to support@datem.com.
2. A DAT/EM technician will troubleshoot the problem by email, phone, or fax. If the technician determines a
hardware problem exists that is covered by the warranty, and a replacement part/product is required, DAT/EM
will ship the replacement to CUSTOMER. CUSTOMER must then ship the defective part/product back to
DAT/EM within thirty (30) days of receipt of the replacement. If the defective part/product is not shipped back to
DAT/EM within the thirty (30) day period, DAT/EM reserves the right to invoice CUSTOMER for the full value
of the replacement. Use the following procedure to return the defective product/part:
a.) Ship the defective part/product back to DAT/EM, freight prepaid and insured. Pack the product
carefully, using the original box and packing material. Do not include any accessories or manuals
supplied with the product. DAT/EM assumes no responsibility for equipment during shipment from
customer to DAT/EM.
b.) Include a brief note describing the problem. In case DAT/EM has any questions, list the name,
telephone number, and fax number of the person directly responsible for maintaining the equipment.
Trademark Acknowledgments
3Dconnexion, SpaceExplorer, SpaceNavigator, and SpacePilot are registered trademarks of 3Dconnexion Holding S.A.
Corporation Switzerland. 3Dlabs and Wildcat are trademarks or registered trademarks of 3Dlabs Ltd., 3Dlabs Inc. Ltd., or
3Dlabs Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Stealth 1 Mouse, Stealth 2 Mouse, and Stealth Mouse are trademarks of
ABC Software Developers. Autodesk, ADI, AutoCAD, AutoSnap, and DXF are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. SOCET SET is a registered trademark of BAE Systems Inc. MicroStation
and MDL are trademarks of Bentley Systems, Inc. Blue Marble Geographics and GeoCalc are registered trademarks of Blue
Marble Group, Inc. DigitalGlobe and digitalglobe.com are registered trademarks of DigitalGlobe, Inc. EarthData is a
registered trademark of Earthdata Holdings, Inc. ESRI, ArcGIS, ArcReader, ArcView, ArcEditor, ArcInfo, ArcMap, and
ArcCatalog are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of ESRI in the United States, the European Community, or
certain other jurisdictions. Google, Google Earth, and Google Maps are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Google,
Inc. Immersion, SoftMouse, and Immersion Interface Box are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Immersion
Corporation. Intel and Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United
States and other countries. STAR-3I is a registered trademark of Intermap Technologies Ltd. Leica is a registered trademark of
Leica Technology BV Corporation. LizardTech and MrSID are either trademarks or registered trademarks of LizardTech.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and Bing are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
NVIDIA, NVIDIA Quadro, and GeForce are registered trademarks or trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries. IKONOS and GeoEye are registered trademarks of ORBIMAGE Inc. DBA GeoEye Corporation. PCI
is a registered trademark of PCI Geomatics Enterprises Inc. in Canada. PCI Express is a registered trademark of PCI SIG
Corporation. Planar and the Planar logo are registered trademarks of Planar Systems, Inc. Keyport and PolyWedge are
trademarks of Polytel Corporation. Sentinel SuperPro is a trademark of SafeNet. StereoGraphics, CrystalEyes, and Monitor
Zscreen are registered trademarks of StereoGraphics Corporation. VELCRO is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries
B.V. DMC, ImageStation, and Z/I Imaging are registered trademarks of Z/I Imaging Corporation. All other product names
mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Notice Page 3 of 4
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Notice Page 4 of 4
Contents
Contents
Contents
List of Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List of Changes-1
Chapter 1. Introduction to DAT/EM CAPTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

About DAT/EM CAPTURE 1-1
About SUPER/IMPOSITION 1-1
System Components 1-2
Chapter 2. Install DAT/EM CAPTURE and Configure AutoCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Hardware and Software Installation 2-1
Configure AutoCAD to Run DAT/EM CAPTURE 2-2
Set the Support File Search Path and Pointing Device 2-2
Activate the DAT/EM Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous Versions 2-4
Turn on DAT/EM Toolbars - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous Versions 2-7
Activate the DAT/EM Menus - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher Versions 2-8
Review or Change the Application Loading Method 2-11
How to Load Applications from acad.rx 2-11
How to Load Applications from the Startup Suite 2-12
How to Prevent Automatic Loading, Then Load Manually 2-13
Chapter 3. Day-to-Day Use of DAT/EM CAPTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

How DAT/EM CAPTURE Affects the AutoCAD Environment 3-1
Hints for Seeing the Cursor in a New Drawing File 3-1
Cursor Control with System Mouse and Stereoplotter 3-2
Using the DAT/EM Menus 3-2
Getting Started with DAT/EM CAPTURE Digitizing Commands 3-3
Digitizing Polylines with DAT/EM CAPTURE 3-3
Capt2d Stream Mode 3-4
Capt3d Stream Mode 3-4
Digitizing Blocks with DAT/EM CAPTURE 3-4
One-Shot Mode (-Inssetup O and Ins) 3-5
Two-Shot Mode (-Inssetup Rotate, Scale, and All) 3-6
Regulating Block and Text Size 3-6
AutoCAD Commands that are Useful for Mapping Projects 3-7
Using Layers to Separate Data 3-7
Referencing Edge Ties 3-8
Editing the Drawing File 3-8
Drawing Output 3-8
Chapter 4. Customizing The System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Customizing the Template Drawing 4-1
A New Layer Scheme 4-1
New Blocks 4-1
Creating a Block at the Correct Size 4-2
Creating a Block on the Correct Layer 4-2
Creating a Block at the Correct Elevation 4-3
Defining a Block 4-3
Customizing the DAT/EM KEYPAD 4-3
Customizing the Foot Pedal and Button Definitions 4-3
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD Contents-1

Contents
Chapter 5. DAT/EM CAPTURE Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Commands by Category 5-1
Block Commands 5-1
Digital Terrain Modeling and Related Commands 5-3
Drawing/Editing Commands 5-4
Move Stereoplotter Commands 5-7
Output Commands 5-8
Search Commands 5-8
Settings Commands 5-9
SUPER/IMPOSITION Commands 5-9
Text Insertion Commands 5-9
View Commands 5-10
Commands by Alphabetical Listing 5-10
3doffset 5-11
3doffsetmeasure 5-12
Arc3d 5-13
Autoarc2d 5-15
Autoarc3d 5-17
Autolist 5-20
BlockRotate 5-21
BreaklineFilter 5-22
Brush 5-24
BuildingFrame 5-25
Buttons 5-27
Capt2d 5-28
Capt3d 5-30
Changescale 5-32
CheckLineElevation 5-33
Cleanup 5-34
ClipPoints 5-35
Closergview 5-36
Contourdown 5-37
Contourup 5-38
Crosscheck 5-39
Culvert 5-40
Curb 5-41
DatClip 5-44
Datemrotate 5-45
Datemsnap 5-46
Datmove 5-47
Datpan 5-48
Dep 5-49
Depression 5-50
DTMdistributor 5-52
DTMeditor 5-55
DTMit 5-57
Edbox 5-63
Editline 5-64
Fence 5-67
Grail 5-68
Gridit 5-69
Ins 5-72
Inssetup and -Inssetup 5-73
Contents-2 DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Contents
Interp 5-75
Joinit 5-79
Labelit 5-80
Lc 5-84
Lcf 5-85
Lineslope 5-86
Lpat 5-87
MeasureHeight 5-88
Morphexporter 5-89
Movebypick 5-90
OpenUp 5-91
Opsqr2d 5-92
Opsqr3d 5-94
Orient 5-97
Orient_Only 5-97
Profiledtm 5-98
Psqr 5-101
Psqr3d 5-104
Reverse 5-106
Road 5-107
Rr 5-108
Rr100 5-109
SetObjectZ 5-110
SetPointBlockZ 5-111
Setup 5-112
Shift 5-115
Shot 5-116
Si 5-117
Slopetick 5-118
Spotx and Spotxset 5-119
Square 5-121
Stairs 5-122
Unrotatescreen 5-124
Wallfence 5-125
Xsect 5-126
Xyzin 5-131
Xyzout 5-133
Zcheck 5-134
Zmove 5-135
Chapter 6. CAPTURE CONTOUR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Activate the Contour Pull-Down Menu 6-1
Export Morphological Data for MATCH-T 6-1
Generate Contours 6-2
Chapter 7. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Problems During Startup 7-1
AutoCAD Menus 7-2
Buttons and Switches 7-3
Appendix A. DAT/EM Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index-i
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD Contents-3

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List of Changes
List of Changes
The following lists show changes in this document for DAT/EM software versions 4.4 and 4.5.
Version Page(s) Description
6.0. not applicable Support was added for 64-bit AutoCAD 2011. A correction was
made to correctly initialize the cursor on 64-bit operating
systems using AutoCAD 2009, 2010 and 2011
6.0. 5-25 BuildingFrame has a new option to create either triangular or

rectangular 3D faces. It previously made only triangular faces.
5.4. not applicable Support was added and/or improved for AutoCAD with 64-bit
operating systems.
5.3. not applicable Support was added for 32-bit and 64-bit AutoCAD 2010.
5.2. 2-1 The majority of the installation instructions have been moved to
individual documents that will be included in the product
packaging and on www.datem.com.
4.5. 5-22 Blocks were added as objects that Breaklinefilter processes.
4.5. 5-61 The prompt for DTMit has changed to include a toggle for
"Drive to Ground" and the "S" keyin has changed to "R" to
return to the dialog.
4.5. 5-80 Labelit has a new interval setting. Added an example graphic
and changed the dialog graphics and callouts for this command.
4.4. 5-91 OpenUp is a new command that opens previously closed

polylines. It can either remove the closing segment or add a
segment where the closing segment used to be.
4.4. 5-110 SetObjectZ is a new command to change the elevation of an

object. For objects that have multiple vertices at varying
elevations, it offsets each vertex by the elevation difference
(instead of flattening all elevations to the same value).
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD List of Changes-1

Chapter 1. Introduction to DAT/EM CAPTURE 1
Chapter 1. Introduction to DAT/EM CAPTURE
DAT/EM Systems International specializes in interfacing popular Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Geographic
Information System (GIS) packages to mapping and surveying instruments.
About DAT/EM CAPTURE

DAT/EM CAPTURE™ is a stereoplotter interface to the user’s choice of Autodesk AutoCAD®, Bentley MicroStation®,
or ESRI ArcGIS® packages, which are widely used commercial CAD/GIS packages. It provides direct
communication between the stereoplotter’s 3D positioning and switches to the CAD or GIS software.
DAT/EM CAPTURE may be used with any analog stereoplotter with three axis encoders, or with one of a wide variety
of analytical and digital stereoplotters.
All data collected with DAT/EM CAPTURE is fully three dimensional.
The DAT/EM mapping system offers these advantages in today's highly competitive digital world:
• Low cost for a complete stand-alone stereoplotter workstation
• Greatly reduced learning curve for system operators
• Regularly scheduled software updates
• Real-time on-line graphics for data capture and editing
• Push-button ease of operation
• DAT/EM KEYPAD accessory greatly speeds multiple or repeated command entries
About SUPER/IMPOSITION
SUPER/IMPOSITION™ will be mentioned throughout this manual. SUPER/IMPOSITION™ is sold as a video accessory for
DAT/EM CAPTURE, or as a part of DAT/EM’s SUMMIT EVOLUTION™ digital stereoplotter. SUPER/IMPOSITION sends
an image of digitized objects into the eye along with the usual photographic view given by the stereoplotter. On
analog and analytical stereoplotters, a special video monitor and optical system are added to the stereoplotter. On
digital stereoplotters, the additional graphics are added to the image view display.
• Digitized objects and optional coordinate text appear superimposed onto the images. This makes it easy
to see digitizing progress and object accuracy.
• SUPER/IMPOSITION is excellent for map revision. When the older file is superimposed over an area of
new construction, any new features are immediately obvious.
• The stereoplotter can check graphical objects without turning away from the image view.
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD 1-1

1 Introduction to DAT/EM CAPTURE
System Components
It is important that the computer hardware, the operating system, and all software are of the types and versions
currently recommended by DAT/EM.
PLEASE DO NOT purchase a computer to be used with DAT/EM products

without first checking with DAT/EM for recommendations.
• DAT/EM is happy to recommend computer brands and software versions that

have been tested successfully at the DAT/EM offices.
• DAT/EM keeps a list of incompatible hardware and software. Please let us

help you save time and money by preventing an inadvisable purchase.
• DAT/EM software is compiled for certain versions of the operating system and
CAD/GIS software. For both new installations and updates, always check with
DAT/EM to make sure your have a good set of matching versions.
Please refer to the up-to-date recommendations and component list on the DAT/EM Systems International web site:
http://www.datem.com/
or, contact DAT/EM Support: support@datem.com
1-2 DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Chapter 2. Install DAT/EM CAPTURE and Configure AutoCAD 2
Chapter 2. Install DAT/EM CAPTURE and Configure AutoCAD
Installation and configuration consist of two main parts:
1. Installation. See “Hardware and Software Installation” below.
2. Configure AutoCAD . See “Configure AutoCAD to Run DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page 2-2 .
Hardware and Software Installation

DAT/EM CAPTURE may be installed for a choice of three types of stereoplotters. Please see the installation
information for your stereoplotter type:
Type of Stereoplotter Installation Information
DAT/EM SUMMIT EVOLUTION The majority of DAT/EM CAPTURE licenses are installed
during DAT/EM SUMMIT EVOLUTION installation.
1. Use the installation instructions provided in the
DAT/EM “Installation Instructions Series”
documents provided with the original product
packaging.
2. Return to “Configure AutoCAD to Run DAT/EM
CAPTURE” on page 2-2 below.
3. For startup and daily use instructions, see the SUMMIT
EVOLUTION Operation Manual.
Analog stereoplotter Please use the following instructions:

1. “DAT/EM CAPTURE Installation and Instruction
Guide for Analog Stereoplotters”
2. “DAT/EM Software Installation”
Analytical stereoplotter Please use the following installation instructions:

1. “DAT/EM CAPTURE Installation and Instruction
Guide for Analytical Stereoplotters”
2. “DAT/EM Software Installation”

2 Install DAT/EM CAPTURE and Configure AutoCAD
Configure AutoCAD to Run DAT/EM CAPTURE

The following checklist is a quick configuration guide for AutoCAD. Detailed instructions appear below.
AutoCAD Configuration Checklist
1. Configure AutoCAD® Tools Options (page 2-2):

› On the Files tab, add two items to the Support File Search Path:
a.) <drive>:\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem
b.) <drive>:\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\bmp
› On the System tab, set the Current Pointing Device to Wintab
Compatible Digitizer ADI 4.2 - by Autodesk. (This sometimes causes
AutoCAD to close. Start AutoCAD again.)
2. Configure the DAT/EM pull-down menus and toolbars:

› Instructions for AutoCAD 2005 and previous versions appear on page
2-4 and page 2-7.
› Instructions for AutoCAD 2006 and higher versions start on page 2-8.
3. Review or change the method to automatically load the DAT/EM CAPTURE™

applications. (page 2-11).
Set the Support File Search Path and Pointing Device

Make AutoCAD settings to correctly find and run DAT/EM applications.
Step 1) Add the DAT/EM folders to the Support File Search Path:
• Start AutoCAD.
• Select Options from the Tools pull-down menu.
• Select the Files tab.
• Click on “+” next to Support File Search Path to expand its list.
• Select the Add button, which adds a blank line to the bottom of the Support File Search
Path list. Select the Browse button. Specify the location of the DAT/EM folder under
AutoCAD. Repeat to add the DAT/EM icon graphics folder. These folders are usually:
<drive>:\program Files\AutoCAD (version)\datem
<drive>:\program Files\AutoCAD (version)\datem\bmp
• Select Apply and go to the next step without closing the Options dialog.

Install DAT/EM CAPTURE and Configure AutoCAD 2
Files tab
Add a line and Browse for the following two folders:

• ...Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem
• ...Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\bmp
Select Apply and

go to the next step.
Step 2) Now set the DAT/EM digitizer driver:
• Select the System tab.
• Set Current Pointing Device to Wintab Compatible Digitizer ADI 4.2 - by Autodesk.
AutoCAD usually closes automatically after this setting, but it correctly applies and saves
the setting as it closes. Start AutoCAD again and return to Tools>Options>System.
• Set Digitizer and mouse on (it may be on already).
• Select Apply and OK.
System tab
Make two settings in the Current

Pointing Device area:
• Select Wintab Compatible
Digitizer ADI 4.2 - by
Autodesk. (AutoCAD usually
closes automatically at this
time. Start AutoCAD again
and return to this tab.)
• Select Digitizer and mouse.
Select Apply and OK.

Activate the DAT/EM Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous Versions
Perform the following steps to configure the DAT/EM menu group(s) for AutoCAD 2005 and previous versions of
AutoCAD. It is important to do this for new installations and for every DAT/EM CAPTURE update.
Step 1) Select Customize Menus from the Tools pull-down menu in AutoCAD.
Step 2) Select the Menu Groups tab. Select Browse.
Select the Menu Groups tab.
Select Browse.
Step 3) Change Files of type to Menu Template (*.mnu).

Step 4) Change Look in to the Datem folder under AutoCAD, which is usually
<drive>:\ProgramFiles\AutoCAD (version)\Datem.
Step 5) Highlight Datem(version).mnu and select Open.
2. Browse to the Datem folder under AutoCAD,

which is usually <drive>:\Program
Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem.
3. Highlight Datem(version).mnu.
Note: The menu name depends on the

version of AutoCAD:
• Datem2000.mnu or DatemLite2000.mnu
for AutoCAD 2000 through AutoCAD 2002.
• Datem2004.mnu or DatemLite2004.mnu
for AutoCAD 2004 and AutoCAD 2005.
The “Lite” menus are provided with DAT/EM
CAPTURE for SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION.
1. Set Files of type to Menu Template (*.mnu). 4. Select Open.

Step 6) If an AutoCAD menu message appears (it may not appear the first time this is done), select Yes.
Select Yes.
Step 7) The DATEM file now appears in the File Name area on the Menu Groups tab. Select Load and
verify that DATEM appears in the Menu Groups list.
Verify that DATEM or DATEMLITE

appears after Load is selected.
Note: For SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE

EDITION, the menu is called
DATEMLITE. It is called DATEM for
all other stereoplotters.
Select Load.
Do not close the dialog!
Step 8) (Optional) If the MAP/EDITOR™ or the CAPTURE CONTOUR™ package will be used on this
workstation, their menus may be added now. Repeat Step 2 through Step 7, but choose
Maped(version).mnu for the MAP/EDITOR and Contour(version).mnu for CAPTURE CONTOUR.
Not available for SUMMIT

EVOLUTION LITE EDITION.
If the MAP/EDITOR or
CAPTURE CONTOUR
packages are to be used on
this workstation, their
menus may be added now.
Do not close the dialog!

Step 9) Now insert the DAT/EM pull-down menu into the menu bar just to the left of the existing Help
pull-down. Select the Menu Bar tab.
Step 10) Set Menu Group to DATEM or DATEMLITE.
Step 11) Highlight Datem or DatemLite in the Menus list.
Step 12) Highlight Help on the menu bar list. This ensures that the Datem or DatemLite menu will appear
just to the left of the Help menu.
Step 13) Select the Insert>> button.
1. Select the Menu Bar tab.
4. Select Insert>>.
2. Select the DATEM or

DATEMLITE menu group and
highlight the Datem or
DatemLite menu.
3. Highlight Help.
Step 14) If the MAP/EDITOR and/or CAPTURE CONTOUR menus were added using Step 8, then add them to
the menu bar now. Repeat Step 9 for these menus, but select Map/Editor(version) and/or Contour
as the Menu Group. Instead of highlighting the Help menu bar, highlight Datem so that the menus
appear to the left of the Datem pull-down menu.
Not available for SUMMIT

If the MAP/EDITOR or CAPTURE

CONTOUR packages are to be
used on this workstation,
insert their menus now.
Step 15) Select the Close button to exit the Menu Customization dialog.

Step 16) Verify that the Datem or DatemLite pull-down menu appears next to the Help menu on the
AutoCAD screen. If they were added, the Map/Editor and Contour menus should also appear.
Now go on to “Turn on DAT/EM Toolbars - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous Versions” below.
Expected Result:
The Datem or DatemLite pull-down menu
appears next to the Help menu.
The Map/Editor and Contour menus may

also appear if they have been configured.
Turn on DAT/EM Toolbars - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous Versions

Now make sure the desired DAT/EM toolbar menus are turned on:
Step 1) Select Toolbars from the Customize option of the Tools pull-down menu.
Step 2) Select DATEM or DATEMLITE from the Menu Group area.
Step 3) Turn on all desired toolbar menus. Select Close when finished.
Select the DATEM

or DATEMLITE
Check on all desired menu group.
DAT/EM toolbars.
Note: The list of toolbars

will be shorter for SUMMIT
Step 4) Verify that the selected toolbar menus appear and that the icons are correct1. If desired, drag and
drop the menus anywhere, or dock them in the toolbar menu areas.
Expected Result:
Fewer toolbars appear The selected Datem toolbars will
for SUMMIT EVOLUTION appear in AutoCAD. Drag and drop
LITE EDITION them anywhere, or dock them in
the toolbar menu areas.
1. If the icons all appear the same, , then the ...\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\bmp
folder is not referenced correctly, or was not referenced when the menu was compiled. Set the Support File Search
Path using the instructions on page 2-2. Then reload/recompile the menu file using the instructions on page 2-4.

Activate the DAT/EM Menus - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher Versions

Perform the following steps to configure the DAT/EM menu group(s) for AutoCAD 2006 and higher versions. It is
important to do this for new installations and for every DAT/EM CAPTURE update.
Step 1) Select Interface from Customize on the Tools pull-down menu in AutoCAD. The Customize User
Interface dialog appears.
In AutoCAD, select
Customize and Interface
from the Tools menu.
Step 2) View the Customize tab with All Customization Files set in the field in the upper left pane.
Step 3) Right click on Partial CUI Files and select Load partial customization file.
Customize tab
All Customization Files
• Right click on Partial

CUI Files.
• Select Load partial
customization file.

Step 4) In the Open dialog, verify that Files of type is set to Customization files. Browse to the
...\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem folder. Select Datem(version).cui or
DatemLite(version).cui.
Note: The file name includes the number of the lowest version of AutoCAD that the file is
compatible with, which may not match the number of the installed version of AutoCAD.
For example, the file is called Datem2007.cui for use with AutoCAD 2008. The file is
called “Lite” if it is for use with SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION.
• Browse to the ...\Program Files\AutoCAD

(version)\Datem folder.
• Verify that Files of type is set to
Customization Files.
• Select Datem(Lite)(version).cui.
• Select Open.

Step 5) (Optional. Does not apply to SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION.) If the MAP/EDITOR™ and/or the
CAPTURE CONTOUR™ packages are installed on this workstation, add their menus now. Reset All
Customization Files in the upper left pane. Repeat Step 2 through Step 4, but choose
MapEditor.cui for the MAP/EDITOR and CaptureContour.cui for CAPTURE CONTOUR.
Reset to All Customization Files.
• Right click on Partial CUI Files.

• Select Load partial customization file.
• Browse to the ...\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem folder.

• Verify that Files of type is set to Customization Files.
• Select the file for the installed package,
CaptureContour(version).cui or MapEditor(version).cui.
• Repeat for the other file if necessary.
Step 6) Select Apply and OK to save the settings and close the Customize User Interface dialog.
Step 7) Verify that the selected menu(s) appear in AutoCAD. They appear as both pull-down menus and
toolbars when AutoCAD is the focus window. If desired, drag and drop the toolbar menus
anywhere, or dock them in the toolbar menu areas in AutoCAD.
Expected Results:
• The Datem or DatemLite pull-down menu appears.
• The Map/Editor and Contour pull-down menus appear
if they are installed and have been configured.
• The Datem toolbars appear when AutoCAD has focus.
Drag and drop them anywhere, or dock them in the
toolbar menu areas.

Review or Change the Application Loading Method

An acad.rx file is provided with DAT/EM CAPTURE installation. This file contains a list of DAT/EM applications for
AutoCAD to load every time it starts. However, some users prefer to change this installation default:
• To use the acad.rx file as it is originally installed, do nothing.
• To review or edit the acad.rx file, see “How to Load Applications from acad.rx” on page 2-11.
• To use the Startup Suite instead, see “How to Load Applications from the Startup Suite” on page 2-12.
• To disable loading, see “How to Prevent Automatic Loading, Then Load Manually” on page 2-13.
How to Load Applications from acad.rx

An acad.rx file is placed in the ...\ProgramFiles\AutoCAD(version)\Datem folder during DAT/EM CAPTURE
software installation. As AutoCAD starts, it checks for an acad.rx file in the support file search path that was
configured earlier in “Set the Support File Search Path and Pointing Device” on page 2-2. If the file exists, it
automatically loads all the applications listed in the file.
You may wish to review or change the contents of the acad.rx file. Perform the following steps:
Step 1) Open the \Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\acad.rx file in any text editor such as
Windows Notepad.
The DAT/EM application file names depend on the version of AutoCAD. Note that the names
may not seem to match the version of AutoCAD, but that is normal. For example, files for both
AutoCAD 2004 and AutoCAD 2006 are called (Filename)2004.arx. This simply means that
there were no changes to the file for the higher version of AutoCAD.
Step 2) To add an application so that it loads automatically every time AutoCAD starts, enter its file name
on a single line in the file. Some suggested files that may be included in acad.rx are (note that some
applications are not provided with SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION):
a.) Autolist(verison).arx, contains the autolist command.
b.) BlockRotate(verison).arx to rotate blocks in a drawing.
c.) Breaklinefilter(verison).arx contains the breaklinefilter command.
d.) Capture(verison).arx, contains the main DAT/EM CAPTURE interface and commands.
e.) CaptureContour(verison).arx, contains the CAPTURE CONTOUR option (if installed).
f.) CheckLineElevation(verison).arx, contains checklineelevation and other commands.
g.) Clenup(verison).arx, contains the cleanup command.
h.) ClipIt(verison).arx, contains the datclip command.
i.) DtmDistributor(verison).arx contains the dtmdistributor command.
j.) DtmEditor(verison).arx contains the dtmeditor command.
k.) DtmIt(verison).arx contains the dtmit command.
l.) MapEditor(verison).arx contains the MAP/EDITOR commands.
m.) Measure(verison).arx contains the measureheight and lineslope commands.
n.) Si(verison).arx, contains SUPER/IMPOSITION (if installed). If listing this application, list
Capture(version).arx first, then list si(version).arx on the next line.

Step 3) To remove an application so that it does not load, delete the line containing that file name.
Example acad.rx file to

automatically load .arx files
How to Load Applications from the Startup Suite

An acad.rx file is placed in the ...\ProgramFiles\AutoCAD(version)\Datem folder during DAT/EM CAPTURE
software installation. If AutoCAD finds the acad.rx file when it starts, it loads all the applications listed in the file.
However, you may wish to use the AutoCAD Applications Startup Suite instead of acad.rx.
To use the Applications Startup Suite instead of the acad.rx file, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Rename ...\Program Files\Acad (version)\Datem\acad.rx file to acad.rx.deactivated. (Do not
delete it, in case you want to use it again later.) After it is renamed, AutoCAD cannot find it.
Step 2) Start AutoCAD. Select Load Application from the Tools pull-down menu.
Step 3) Click the Contents button in the Startup Suite area.
Select Load Application from the Tools pull-down menu,

then select the Contents button from the Startup Suite area.
• To add an application, select the Add

button and choose the file.
• To delete an application, click on the file
name to highlight it, then select Delete.

Some suggested files that may be included in the Startup Suite are (note that some applications
are not provided with SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION):
a.) Autolist(verison).arx, contains the autolist command.
b.) BlockRotate(verison).arx to rotate blocks in a drawing.
c.) Breaklinefilter(verison).arx contains the breaklinefilter command.
d.) Capture(verison).arx, contains the main DAT/EM CAPTURE interface and commands.
e.) CaptureContour(verison).arx, contains the CAPTURE CONTOUR option (if installed).
f.) CheckLineElevation(verison).arx, contains checklineelevation and other commands.
g.) Cleanup(verison).arx, contains the cleanup command.
h.) ClipIt(verison).arx, contains the datclip command.
i.) DtmDistributor(verison).arx contains the dtmdistributor command.
j.) DtmEditor(verison).arx contains the dtmeditor command.
k.) DtmIt(verison).arx contains the dtmit command.
l.) MapEditor(verison).arx contains the MAP/EDITOR commands.
m.) Measure(verison).arx contains the measureheight, lineslope, and tinpolygons commands.
n.) MorphExporter(verison).arx contains the morphexporter command.
o.) Si(verison).arx, contains SUPER/IMPOSITION (if installed). If listing this application, list
Capture(version).arx first, then list si(version).arx on the next line.
Step 4) When finished, close the Startup Suite and Load/Unload Applications boxes. The settings take
effect the next time AutoCAD starts.
How to Prevent Automatic Loading, Then Load Manually

The user has a choice whether or not to load applications automatically. As a rule, if DAT/EM CAPTURE is used
during the majority of AutoCAD sessions, then it is best to load the applications automatically. But if DAT/EM
CAPTURE is not used often, you may wish to prevent automatic loading of some or all of its applications.
To prevent automatic application loading, perform the following steps:

Step 1) If currently using the acad.rx method to load applications:
• To stop using the acad.rx file, rename it to acad.rx.deactivated. (Do not delete it, in case
you want to use it again later.) The file’s default installation location is:
\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\acad.rx.
• To continue using acad.rx, but to change the list of files it loads, edit
\Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\acad.rx with any text editor such as
Windows Notepad. See “How to Load Applications from acad.rx” on page 2-11.
Step 2) If using the Startup Suite to load applications, select Load Application from the Tools pull-down
menu. Click the Contents button in the Startup Suite area. Delete any application names that
should not be loaded when AutoCAD starts.

Step 3) DAT/EM CAPTURE applications may be loaded manually as follows.
Application How to load manually
capture(version).arx
Choose a method:
• Select DAT/EM Startup from
the DAT/EM toolbar.
• Select Load Capture from
the Datem pull-down menu.
• Enter appload and load
capture(version).arx.
si(version).arx
Available only if
SUPER/IMPOSITION is installed.
Choose a method:
• Select Load S/I from the
Super/Imposition option of
the Datem pull-down menu.
• Enter appload and select
si(version).arx.
All other DAT/EM arx files Use AutoCAD’s Tools > Load Application to load any
of the other DAT/EM arx files found in the ...\Program
Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem folder.

Chapter 3. Day-to-Day Use of DAT/EM CAPTURE 3
Chapter 3. Day-to-Day Use of DAT/EM CAPTURE
This chapter gives instructions and hints for digitizing, editing, and outputting with DAT/EM CAPTURE™.
How DAT/EM CAPTURE Affects the AutoCAD Environment

There are several differences between using AutoCAD with a standard 2D digitizer and using AutoCAD with
DAT/EM CAPTURE’s 3D digitizer. The most noticeable additions are as follows:
• With DAT/EM CAPTURE, there are two digitizers: the 2D mouse and the 3D stereoplotter. Read more
about digitizer-related subjects in:
“Hints for Seeing the Cursor in a New Drawing File” on page 3-1
“Cursor Control with System Mouse and Stereoplotter” on page 3-2
• The DAT/EM KEYPAD™, P-series tablet menu, pull-down AutoCAD menu, and toolbar menus all
contain many useful DAT/EM CAPTURE utilities and digitizing aids. Read more about the menus in:
“Using the DAT/EM Menus” on page 3-2
“Customizing the DAT/EM KEYPAD” on page 4-3
• DAT/EM CAPTURE provides commands to quickly digitize streamed and point-to-point 2D and 3D
polylines and block symbols. Read more about these digitizing commands in:
“Digitizing Polylines with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page 3-3
“Digitizing Blocks with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page 3-4
Chapter 5, “DAT/EM CAPTURE Command Reference”
• In addition to the DAT/EM CAPTURE commands described in Chapter 5, all of the AutoCAD
commands are available for mapping purposes. A good working knowledge of AutoCAD is valuable for
efficient mapping. However, the beginning AutoCAD user will also be able use DAT/EM CAPTURE.
Read more about helpful AutoCAD commands in:
“AutoCAD Commands that are Useful for Mapping Projects” on page 3-7
“Using Layers to Separate Data” on page 3-7
Hints for Seeing the Cursor in a New Drawing File

In a new drawing, the cursor may not immediately appear on the screen. The stereoplotter cursor position is in the
model area, while the view displayed in a blank drawing file may not show the same coordinate range. When
AutoCAD’s view is set to fit around the model area, the cursor will appear.
Even if the cursor is not on the screen, objects can still be digitized at the correct locations. AutoCAD is constantly
updated with the current stereoplotter location, whether or not the cursor is in the graphics view.
To initially match the stereoplotter location and the AutoCAD display area:
1. Zoom with the stereoplotter
Zooming with the stereoplotter forces a new zoom center in AutoCAD. (Does not apply to analog
stereoplotters.)
2. Turn on datpan
See “Datpan” on page 5-48.

3 Day-to-Day Use of DAT/EM CAPTURE
Cursor Control with System Mouse and Stereoplotter

The system mouse and the stereoplotter may be used alternately to move the cursor. Switching from one to the other
is easy:
• For SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION or when SUMMIT EVOLUTION is set to the System Mouse input
device, right click in the main view to activate stereoplotter cursor control. Double right click to
deactivate stereoplotter cursor control and switch back to regular system mouse mode.
• For all other stereoplotters and SUMMIT EVOLUTION digitizing devices, simply move the desired
digitizer for it to obtain cursor control.
Using the DAT/EM Menus

There are two kinds of AutoCAD menus provided with DAT/EM CAPTURE. Instructions for configuring AutoCAD to
display them appear in Chapter 3.
There is a DAT/EM pull-down menu and a set of toolbar menus:
Toolbar menus
Fewer options appear for Pull-down menu

SUMMIT EVOLUTION LITE EDITION
:
Most of the DAT/EM CAPTURE commands appear on the menus, as well as snap utilities and other tools. These
commands are also available on the DAT/EM KEYPAD. The menus are provided as a method of quickly starting
DAT/EM CAPTURE commands.

Day-to-Day Use of DAT/EM CAPTURE 3
Getting Started with DAT/EM CAPTURE Digitizing Commands

When digitizing, the user may use any of the commands that come with AutoCAD plus the specialized
mapping-specific commands that come with DAT/EM CAPTURE.
For example, a building could be digitized by starting AutoCAD’s 3dpoly command and digitizing each corner of the
building, then entering the letter “C” to close the polyline. The result of this time-consuming 3dpoly command will
be a building with sides that are not quite perpendicular. But DAT/EM CAPTURE offers several building commands
that streamline the process, allow some corners to be calculated rather than digitized, square the building sides when
necessary, and automatically close the polyline.
Each of the DAT/EM CAPTURE commands is described in detail in Chapter 5. The most commonly-used DAT/EM
CAPTURE commands are described below in this chapter:
• To digitize elevation contours and other point-to-point or streamed polylines, see “Digitizing Polylines
with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page 3-3.
• To digitize mapping symbols using blocks, see “Digitizing Blocks with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page
3-4.
Digitizing Polylines with DAT/EM CAPTURE

The DAT/EM CAPTURE system uses polylines for drawing linear features. In AutoCAD, there are two types of
polylines, two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D).
Two-dimensional polylines are entities consisting of a connected sequence of line and/or arc segments. The 2D
polyline takes on the elevation of the first vertex.
• Use AutoCAD’s pline or DAT/EM’s autoarc2d to digitize point-to-point 2D polylines.
• Use capt2d to digitize in stream mode, with the first vertex’s elevation rounded off to the nearest
contour interval. All the other vertices will remain set to this same elevation, even if the stereoplotter
elevation is changed while digitizing. This command is most useful for digitizing elevation contours.
See “Capt2d” on page 5-28.
Three-dimensional polylines are entities consisting of a connected sequence of line segments. Each vertex in a 3D
polyline takes on the elevation of the digitizer (stereoplotter) at the time it was digitized.
• Use AutoCAD’s 3dpoly or DAT/EM’s autoarc3d to digitize point-to-point 3D polylines.
• Use capt3d for stream mode digitizing. This command is very useful for digitizing features that vary in
elevation such as streams and field boundaries. It is also used to digitize break lines for use with contour
generation packages. See “Capt3d” on page 5-30.
See the following sections for more information on digitizing polylines:

Capt2d Stream Mode

Capt2d is a command that should be used when digitizing streamed curvilinear features with fixed elevations.
• Capt2d is primarily used to digitize elevation contours

The frequency of data points captured for the polyline is a function of the curvature angle and distance criteria input
in the setup dialog box. See “Setup” on page 5-112.
When using capt2d, the elevation is automatically rounded to the nearest contour interval.
For instructions on using this command, see “Capt2d” on page 5-28.
Capt3d Stream Mode

Capt3d stream mode is similar to the capt2d mode, except the elevation is exact, not rounded. Each elevation value
may be different along the feature. Capt3d may be used when digitizing streamed curvilinear features with varying
elevations such as:
• Streams
• Fences
• Break lines for later use with contour generation packages

The frequency of data points captured for the polyline is a function of the curvature angle and distance criteria input
in the setup dialog box. See “Setup” on page 5-112.
For instructions on using this command, see “Capt3d” on page 5-30.
Digitizing Blocks with DAT/EM CAPTURE

Symbols are defined in AutoCAD as blocks, which are a set of individual entities grouped together into a compound
object. Blocks can be made to represent standard features such as utility poles, swamp symbols, runway lights,
control points, and mail boxes. Typical block symbols which might be used are as follows:
ANTENNA H-CONTROL PHOTO-CNTR SPOTX

CROSS HV-CONTROL POLE TREE
FENCETIK LIGHTP POST UTILITYP
GATE MAIL-BOX RLIGHT V-CONTROL
GRID MISC-OBJECT ROCK WINDSOCK
GUYANC PASS-POINT SIGN SIGN
The default drawing file supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE contains a set of blocks for mapping. Each of these blocks
is matched to a key on the keypad overlay or menu diagram. The blocks and overlay can be customized for any
mapping purposes. For instructions on customizing the default file blocks, see “New Blocks” on page 4-1.
To place symbols with the One- or Two-Shot modes, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Select a symbol key on the DAT/EM KEYPAD. DAT/EM KEYPAD keys typically set a layer, use
-inssetup to set the name of the block, and activate the ins command.
Step 2) Digitize one or two points. The first point specifies the block insertion point. For the ins Rotate,
ins Scale, and ins All options, the second point specifies an angle, a scale factor, or both. (One-shot
blocks are placed according to the active rotation angle and map scale/symbol factor set with the
setup dialog box.)
Step 3) Continue inserting blocks. The ins command remains active until another command is used.
Example: A series of power poles is to be plotted with the symbol ticks parallel to a street. The size of the UTILITYP
block is correct using the setup map and scale factors.
Step 1) Select Utility Pole on the DAT/EM KEYPAD. This sets the UTILITY layer, uses -inssetup to set
the block name to UTILITYP, and activates ins Rotate.
Step 2) Digitize a point at the base of a power pole.
Step 3) Move the stereoplotter parallel to the street and digitize a second point. The UTILITYP block
is inserted at the digitized angle.
Step 4) Continue selecting pole bases and angles. More UTILITYP symbols are inserted.
Step 5) Select another command to cancel the symbol insertion mode.
One-Shot Mode (-Inssetup O and Ins)

In One-Shot block insertion mode, the system will accept one digitized point at a time, with a beep sound each time
the data switch is pressed. One-Shot is used especially for
• block placement
• spot elevation placement
To activate this mode, enter -inssetup o, then set the symbol name with the ins command:
Command: -inssetup
One/Rotate/Scale/All: o
Command: ins
Block name/? smalltree
Proceed to insert one or more blocks using the digitizing switch.
To set the block name and a layer for the block that is independent of the currently set AutoCAD layer, use the
inssetup command instead of -inssetup. A dialog box allows all the settings to be made. However, when activating
the command from the keypad, the -inssetup command should be used to avoid the dialog box.
Many of the symbol insertion keys on the keypad overlay or menu diagram activate the One-Shot mode and ins.

Two-Shot Mode (-Inssetup Rotate, Scale, and All)

This mode is similar to One-Shot mode, but the system will accept two digitized points at a time. Two-Shot mode is
used especially for:
• block placement with rotation angle specified

• block placement with scale specified
• block placement with both angle and scale specified
To set this mode, enter -inssetup, select Rotate, Scale, or All, then set the symbol name with the ins command. For
example:
Command: -inssetup
One/Rotate/Scale/All: r
Command: ins
Block name/? smalltree
Proceed to insert one or more blocks using the digitizing switch. The first digitized point will be the block insertion
point, the second point will define the rotation angle, scale, or both.
To set the block name and a layer for the block that is independent of the currently set AutoCAD layer, use the
inssetup command instead of -inssetup. A dialog box allows all the settings to be made. However, when activating
the command from the keypad, the -inssetup command should be used to avoid the dialog box.
Some of the symbol insertion keys on the keypad overlay or menu diagram set the Two-Shot mode.
Regulating Block and Text Size

Many of the DAT/EM CAPTURE commands automatically insert blocks and text into the drawing. These commands
must tell AutoCAD the block insertion size and the text size.
These routines use three variables to determine the size of text and blocks:
• Map scale
• Block scale factor
• Text scale factor

These variables appear in the DAT/EM Mapping Parameters dialog box, which may be activated with the setup
command. (See “Setup” on page 5-112.)
Because the software is inserting the blocks using a scale factor, blocks should be created at a size of one ground unit
in the template drawing file. (See “New Blocks” on page 4-1.)

AutoCAD Commands that are Useful for Mapping Projects

While digitizing and editing a map, all of AutoCAD's commands are available. AutoCAD has many commands, some
of which will never be used in mapping projects. Other commands will be used extensively.
The following is a brief list of the most commonly used AutoCAD commands for mapping projects. The user is
encouraged to review them in the AutoCAD Reference Manual or the AutoCAD on-line help.
3dpoly extent pan undo

array insert pedit view
audit layer pline wblock
block lista purge window
change mirror save xref

copy move text zoom
erase offset trim
The cancel function in AutoCAD is <Esc>.
a. Consider using DAT/EM CAPTURE’S autolist.arx instead of list.
Some AutoCAD commands have a direct application to mapping projects. Read more about them in:
• “Using Layers to Separate Data” on page 3-7
• “Referencing Edge Ties” on page 3-8
• “Editing the Drawing File” on page 3-8
• “Drawing Output” on page 3-8
Using Layers to Separate Data

The concept of AutoCAD layers is similar to that of transparent overlays used in drafting applications. Within
AutoCAD, any number of layers may be defined, each containing a different type of information. Colors and
linetypes can be assigned to each layer.
Please read the AutoCAD online help regarding layers.
Each different type of feature in a mapping project should be digitized on a unique layer. For example, place all paved
roads on the ROAD-PAVED layer, and all unpaved roads on the ROAD-UNPAVED layer. Then when it comes time
to extract information about one type of feature, it is very easy to freeze all layers except the layer in question.
A default acad.dwt drawing template file is supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE. It contains a layer scheme for
mapping. This scheme may be modified to suit the project. When making a layer scheme, try to make it detailed and
flexible enough that it may be used on almost any type of project. Everyone concerned, including the map compiler,
the editor, and the client will appreciate a consistent layering method.
Once the layer scheme is established, the layers should be added to the keypad overlay or menu diagram. The keypad
overlay or menu diagram that comes with DAT/EM CAPTURE already has the layer items matched to the DAT/EM
CAPTURE acad.dwt layer definitions.
When digitizing a feature, always set the layer first by selecting the layer name on the keypad or menu.

Referencing Edge Ties

When digitizing a model, it is useful to see what was digitized in the adjoining model, and be able to snap the new
contours to the ones from the edge of the old file. Use reference files to accomplish this. Please review the xref
command in AutoCAD’s online help.
Editing the Drawing File

Editing the drawing file after all features have been digitized is a very important step. The editor's task is to verify the
data, join models together, break the project into map sheets, and add any additional textual or legend information.
The stereoplotter station can be used for editing if necessary; however, since compilation time and editing time often
vary, and users sometimes want a more powerful computer for editing, it is more efficient to have a separate
AutoCAD editing station. A commonly available tablet digitizer with a 16-button cursor is also a great editing help.
• The MAP/EDITOR, is a set of editing tools provided with DAT/EM CAPTURE.
• The autolist.arx utility speeds up getting information about objects. See page 5-20.
• The edbox command helps keep track of edited areas of a drawing. See “Edbox” on page 5-63.
All the AutoCAD commands may also be used for editing.
Drawing Output
Any ACAD drawing digitized using DAT/EM CAPTURE may be plotted like any other ACAD drawing. Refer to the
AutoCAD documentation to become familiar with AutoCAD’s plotting software.
The xyzout command may be used to create ASCII files. The user is able to specify the output file format and the
objects that should be exported. For instructions on exporting objects with xyzout, please see “Xyzout” on page
5-133.
DAT/EM CAPTURE’s morphexporter command may be used to write morphological data from the AutoCAD file to
an INPHO .wnp file. See page 5-89.

Chapter 4. Customizing The System 4
Chapter 4. Customizing The System
The following DAT/EM CAPTURE™ software can be customized by the user:
• The template drawing with its layers and block symbols;
• The DAT/EM KEYPAD™ overlay and matching function list;
• The digitizer button definitions.
Customizing the Template Drawing

The template drawing file is easily modified to contain a customized layer scheme and block symbols. When making
a new default file, start with a copy of the acad.dwt file that is supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE. This file already
contains many helpful settings, and new layers and blocks may be added to it.
Note that when DAT/EM CAPTURE is installed, its acad.dwt overwrites AutoCAD’s version of acad.dwt.
A New Layer Scheme

Changing the layer scheme is easy to do. First prepare a concise list of the new layers. This list should be extensive
enough to be useful for any mapping project. The goal in developing a layer list is be able to use it for as many
projects as possible. If the same default file is always used, both the company's employees and the clients will be able
to rely on the consistent drawing format. A consistent layer scheme will also help tremendously if the files are to be
translated later to another CAD system.
To input a new layer scheme, start with a copy of the acad.dwt file. Use the AutoCAD DDLMODES or LAYER
commands to change and define new layers. See the AutoCAD documentation for help using these commands.
New Blocks
New blocks can be defined, or the existing ones from acad.dwt can be changed. When defining blocks, there are
three very important goals:
• Make blocks the correct size, usually about 1 unit across (See page 4-2);
• Make blocks on the correct layer, usually layer 0 (See page 4-2);
• Make block components at zero elevation, Z=0.0 (See page 4-3);
• Define the new or edited block (See page 4-3).

The following sections contain some hints for creating blocks.

4 Customizing The System
Creating a Block at the Correct Size

When using the DAT/EM CAPTURE symbol insertion utilities, blocks are inserted at a size determined by the current
map scale and the symbol sizing factor entered in the setup dialog box.
Scaling the blocks as they are inserted makes it possible to use the same block table for any scale map drawings. In
other words, the same default drawing file may be used for maps drawn at 1:25, 1:500, and 1:1000.
Because the blocks are scaled at the moment they are inserted, there is one rule for block sizing:
The Block Size Rule:
Blocks defined in the default drawing file

must be created at a size of one unit.
The exception to this is symbols that should appear oversized or

undersized compared to other symbols in the file. In this case, they
should be created at sizes such as 2 units or half a unit.
Creating a Block on the Correct Layer

A blocks retains properties of the layer on which it is inserted as well as those on which it was originally created. If
the block was created on any layer other than the 0 (zero) layer, then both the layer of creation and the layer of
insertion must be thawed in order to see the block.
As an example, a block called LIGHT-POLE can be created on a layer called LIGHT-POLE. If it is subsequently
inserted on the UTILITY layer, then the block has properties of both the LIGHT-POLE and UTILITY layers. If the
LIGHT-POLE layer was then frozen, the block would not appear on the screen. Both LIGHT-POLE and UTILITY
must be thawed in order to see the block.
Because the blocks are inserted on the current layer, there is an optional rule for block layering. Please consider
carefully the block’s purpose, and whether it should indeed be created on a separate layer.
The Block Layer Rule (Optional):
Blocks defined in the default drawing file

should be created on Layer 0.
The exception to this is blocks that should retain properties of the

creation layer and the insertion layer.

Customizing The System 4
Creating a Block at the Correct Elevation

Blocks are inserted at their creation elevation plus the current drawing elevation. To insert blocks at the
stereoplotter’s exact current elevation, follow the block elevation rule:
The Block Elevation Rule:
All the objects that make up the block must be at Z=0.0
Once the block components have been drawn, use the AutoCAD LIST command to make sure the elevation of each
object is zero. If necessary, use the AutoCAD MOVE command to move an object to zero elevation.
Hint: If a block always appears at the wrong elevation, check its definition elevation by inserting the block with an
asterisk (*) before the name. This inserts the symbol as individual exploded objects rather than as a block. Use
AutoCAD’s LIST command to look at the elevation of each object. If necessary, move the components to zero
elevation and redefine the block.
Defining a Block
Use the AutoCAD BLOCK command to define the block. Be sure the insertion point is chosen accurately. Most
symbol blocks will have an insertion point exactly in the center of the symbol. Please see the AutoCAD Reference
Manual for instructions on the BLOCK command.
Hint: It may be convenient to draw the blocks centered around the coordinate origin, (0,0,0). This makes it easy to
define the block insertion point.
If a symbol is to be used only on a particular job, it can be generated in the individual drawing file. If it is to be added
to the permanent list of symbols, then it should be created in the template drawing so that it is present every time a
new file is started.
Once a new block symbol has been generated, a key for this symbol can be added to the keypad overlay or menu
diagram.
Customizing the DAT/EM KEYPAD

Please see the DAT/EM Keypad Operation Manual for instructions on customizing the keypad menu diagram.
Customizing the Foot Pedal and Button Definitions

With DAT/EM CAPTURE, the buttons and/or foot pedal(s) on the stereoplotter may be redefined. (All of the available
buttons and foot pedals on the stereoplotter will be referred to collectively as “buttons.”)
To set button functions, use the buttons command or select the Edit Buttons option from the DAT/EM KEYPAD or
from the Datem pull-down menu. See “Buttons” on page 5-27.

4 Customizing The System

Chapter 5. DAT/EM CAPTURE Command Reference 5
Chapter 5. DAT/EM CAPTURE Command Reference
This section contains the following:
• A brief listing of DAT/EM CAPTURE™ commands by category (Pages 5-1 through 5-10)
• A detailed alphabetical listing of all the commands (Pages 5-11 through 5-135)
Commands by Category
Block Commands
Block Commands Command Purpose
Autolist (Block Information) Show information about existing blocks.
BlockRotate (Rotate blocks) Rotate blocks based on their block name, layer, and/or
location inside a closed polyline.
Brush (Brush patterning) Insert brush tick block symbols along a brush line.
Dep (Depression tick patterning) Insert depression tick block symbols along a
depression contour.
Depression (Automatically find depression contours) Automatically find existing

depression contours and either pattern them with blocks or change their layer.
Edbox (Edit boxes) Keep track of edited areas on a drawing.
Fence (Fence patterning) Insert fence tick block symbols along fence polylines.
Grail (Guard rail patterning) Insert guard rail block symbols along guard rail
polylines.
Ins (Block or point digitizing) Quickly and repeatedly insert blocks or points
using the settings made by inssetup or -inssetup.
Labelit (Elevation labels) Add elevation labels or blocks to polylines with options for
rotation and polyline breaking.
Lc (Insert control point blocks) Insert control point block symbols at all the
coordinate locations read from the currently active orientation control listing.
(To insert selected points from a selected control file, see the lcf command.)

5 DAT/EM CAPTURE Command Reference

(Continued)
Lcf (Insert control point blocks) Insert control point block symbols at selected
control coordinate locations read from a selected control file. (To insert all
points from the currently active orientation control file, see the lc command.)
Lpat (Polyline patterning) Insert a specified block symbol at intervals along a

polyline. On polylines that are shorter than the block interval, at least one
block will be inserted.
MeasureHeight (Label height of object) Digitize points at the base and top of an object; place
a block to show the location and text to show the height.
Profiledtm (DTM Project) Set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project.
Rr (Double line railroads) After the user digitizes one side of a railroad track, rr
offsets the opposite rail and inserts railroad tick blocks at intervals along the
track.
Rr100 (Single line railroads) After the user digitizes a single polyline down the
center of a railroad track, rr100 inserts railroad tick blocks at intervals along
the track.
SetBlockZ (Edit block Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a block. Assign the
stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign AutoCAD’s elev
setting if the system mouse is used.
SetPointBlockZ (Edit block or point Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a point or block.
Assign the stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign
AutoCAD’s elev setting if the system mouse is used.
Shot (Repeated block insertion) Set the digitizing mode to work with the ins
command to repeatedly insert blocks. Blocks will either be inserted at the
currently set angles and scales from the setup dialog box, or the scale and/or
rotation angle will be digitized.
Slopetick (Slope tick patterning) Insert slope tick block symbols along retaining wall
polylines.
Spotx and Spotxset (Spot elevations) Use spotxset or -spotxset to make settings for spotx. Use
spotx to insert spot elevation blocks and text.
Wallfence (Wall-fence patterning) Insert wall tick and fence tick blocks alternately
along 2D or 3D polylines.

DAT/EM CAPTURE Command Reference 5

(Continued)
Xsect (Cross sectioning) Create a cross section project and collect (X,Y,Z) data
along the cross sections.
Xyzin (Import from a file) Import blocks and other types of objects from an ASCII
file.
Zcheck (Mark polyline intersections) Mark the point of intersection and the elevation
difference between polylines where they intersect in the (X,Y) plane. See also
crosscheck.
Digital Terrain Modeling and Related Commands
DTM and Related

Command Purpose
Commands
BreaklineFilter (Change DTM points near breaklines) Change the layer of DTM points that
are located near linework (breaklines).
Contour (Generate elevation contours with SCOP) Interpolate elevation contours

(See Chapter 6) using XYZ data from the AutoCAD® file for SCOP, which is a contour
generation library by INPHO GmbH. This command also allows old contours
to be deleted or moved. See Chapter 6.
DTMdistributor (Create a new DTM point distribution from other point sources) Combine
two or more DTM point sets into a single set; to redistribute DTM points at a
new grid interval.
DTMeditor (Edit point and block XYZs) To edit XYZ point data in the AutoCAD file.
DTMit (DTM Project) To set up a DTM project and digitize XYZ data on a grid.
Matchxyz (Import .DEM.XYZ file for SCOP) Import an INPHO MATCH-T-generated

(See Chapter 6) .dem.xyz file into an AutoCAD drawing. See Chapter 6.
Morphexporter (Export objects to .WNP file for SCOP) Export AutoCAD morphological
objects into an INPHO MATCH-T .wnp file. See Chapter 6.
Profiledtm (DTM digitizing) Set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM)
project.
Xsect (Cross section digitizing) Create a cross section project and collect (X,Y,Z)
data along the cross sections.

Drawing/Editing Commands
Drawing/Editing
Command Purpose
Commands
3doffset (Mainly roads with curves) Offset a 3D polyline so that the polylines look
equidistant in the XY plane. The new polyline may also be offset by a constant
elevation difference.
Autolist (Easier than LIST) Display object information as the cursor passes over the
object. No button selections are necessary.
Autoarc2d (Roads with curves) Draw 2D polylines in point-to-point mode, adding arc
segments wherever necessary, and continuing with straight segments when an
arc is not required. autoarc2d is used primarily for digitizing roads with
curves.
Autoarc3d (Roads with curves) Draw 3D polylines in point-to-point mode, simulating

arc segments wherever necessary, and continuing with straight segments when
an arc is not required. Autoarc3d is used primarily for digitizing roads with
curves.
BlockRotate (Rotate blocks) Rotate existing blocks based on their block name, layer,
BlockRotateLast and/or location inside a closed polyline. BlockRotate activates a settings
dialog; BlockRotateLast does not.
BreaklineFilter (Change DTM points near breaklines) Change the layer of DTM points that
are located near linework (breaklines).
BuildingFrame (3D faces) Create 3D faces inside closed 3D polylines (usually buildings) and
extend the sides to the ground.
Capt2d (Elevation contours) Digitize elevation contours. Capt2d creates 2D

polylines with elevations rounded off to the nearest contour interval. Data
capture may be toggled between stream and point-to-point digitizing.
Capt3d (3D streamed polylines) Allow convenient 3D polyline stream digitizing with
the option to toggle to point-to-point digitizing mode.
Changescale (Convert drawing units) Change the units of the drawing by multiplying all
object coordinates by a scale factor. Units available for conversion are meters,
centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet, and furlongs.
CheckLineElevation (Find “flat” lines and polylines) To automatically find and change the layer
of “flat” lines and polylines that have a total elevation range less than a given
tolerance.

Drawing/Editing
Command Purpose
Commands
(Continued)
Cleanup (Fix zero-length polylines) To delete two-vertex, zero-length 3D polylines
and/or to add 0.05 to the second vertex of any polyline that has the same Z
value on every vertex.
DatClip (Clipping inside or outside) To clip objects inside or outside of polylines.

Clipping may be specified either by object or by layer.
Contour (Generate elevation contours with SCOP) Interpolate elevation contours

(See Chapter 6) using XYZ data from the AutoCAD file for SCOP, which is a contour
generation library by INPHO GmbH. This command also allows old contours
to be deleted or moved. See Chapter 6.
Culvert (Culverts) Draw culverts based on the location of the culvert ends.
Curb (Curbs) Add the curb and gutter offsets to a single polyline representing a
street edge or center line.

Dtmeditor (Edit XYZ data for SCOP) Edit XYZ data in the AutoCAD file so that the
(See Chapter 6) correct information can be sent to SCOP, which is a contour generation library
by INPHO GmbH. See Chapter 6.
Editline (Edit and/or join polylines) To edit polylines. Choose:

1. End: Append to an end or replace an end section with a new series of
straight segments and/or arcs;
2. Inner: Replace an interior section with a new series of straight
segments and/or arcs;
3. Join: Join two polylines (or selected portions of two polylines) by
drawing a new series of straight segments and/or arcs between them;
4. ShiftZ: Edit the elevation of individual vertices within a 3D
polyline; edit the elevation of a 2D polyline.
Gridit (Coordinate grid and labels) Place objects (such as ticks, polylines, or blocks)
on a grid. Options are given for grid labels and formats.
Interp (Contour interpolation) Interpolate intermediate elevation contours.
Joinitit (Join polylines) Join two or more polylines together into one polyline.
(formerly called Join)

Drawing/Editing
Command Purpose
Commands
(Continued)
Lineslope (Measure slope grade) Digitize points at the bottom and top of a slope, place
a line, and place a label indicating the percent grade.
OpenUp (Open closed polylines) Open one or more closed polylines. Choose to either
keep or remove the closing segment.
Opsqr2d (Building squaring, 2D orthogonal) Digitize buildings using 2D polylines

and align them orthogonally to a specified angle.
Opsqr3d (Building squaring, 3D orthogonal) Digitize buildings using 3D polylines

and align them orthogonally to a specified angle.
Psqr (Building squaring, 2D) Digitize and perform squaring on buildings and
other man-made objects that have sides at right angles to each other. Psqr uses
2D polylines.
Psqr3d (Building squaring, 3D) Digitize and perform squaring on buildings and
other man-made objects that have sides at right angles to each other. Psqr3d
uses 3D polylines.
Reverse (Reverse vertex order) Reverse polyline vertex order.
Road (Road curb and gutter offsets) Starting with one road edge polyline, offset a
complete set of curb and gutter polylines.
SetBlockZ (Edit block Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a block. Assign the
stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign AutoCAD’s elev
setting if the system mouse is used.
SetObjectZ (Edit object Z) To change the elevation of an object. For objects that have
multiple vertices at varying elevations, it offsets each vertex by the elevation
difference (instead of flattening all elevations to the same value).
SetPointBlockZ (Edit block or point Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a point or block.
Assign the stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign
AutoCAD’s elev setting if the system mouse is used.

Drawing/Editing
Command Purpose
Commands
(Continued)
SetPointZ (Edit point Z) To quickly edit the elevation of a point. Assign the stereoplotter
elevation if the stereoplotter is used, or assign AutoCAD’s elev setting if the
system mouse is used.
Square (Square existing objects) Square the sides of existing polyline objects
according to an angle tolerance.
Stairs (Stairs and landings) Draw stairways with options for elevation, landings,
and aligning to buildings.
TinPolygons See “BuildingFrame” on page 5-25. The name has been changed.
Xyzin (Import from a file) Import objects from an ASCII file.
Move Stereoplotter Commands
Move Commands Command Purpose
Contourdown Move the stereoplotter one contour interval down in elevation.
Contourup Move the stereoplotter one contour interval up in elevation.
Datemsnap Drive the stereoplotter to the (X,Y,Z) of a snapped-to point while 3dpoly,
Autoarc3d, Capt3d, Opsqr3d, or Psqr3d is active.
Datmove Move the stereoplotter to a control point or user-specified coordinate.
Movebypick Move the stereoplotter to a point picked by the mouse.
Xsect (Cross sectioning) Create a cross section project and collect (X,Y,Z) data
along the cross sections.
Zmove Move the stereoplotter to a user-specified elevation.

Output Commands
Output
Command Purpose
Commands
Morphexporter Export AutoCAD morphological objects into an Inpho GmbH-format .wnp

file. This file may then be used by Inpho’s MATCH-T software.
Xyzout Select objects and export them to an ASCII output file.
Search Commands
Search
Command Purpose
Commands
Autolist (Easier than LIST) Display object information as the cursor passes over the
object. No button selections are necessary.
CheckLineElevation (Find “flat” lines and polylines) To automatically find and change the layer
of “flat” lines and polylines that have an elevation range less than a tolerance.
Cleanup (Find and fix zero-length polylines) To delete two-vertex, zero-length 3D

polylines and/or to add 0.05 to the second vertex of any polyline that has the
same Z value on every vertex.
Crosscheck (Mark polyline intersections) Search for crossing or nearly crossing polylines
and mark the intersections or near-intersections.

Xyzout (Export objects) Select objects and export them to an ASCII output file.
difference between polylines where they intersect in the (X,Y) plane.

Settings Commands
Settings
Command Purpose
Commands
Buttons (Switch programming) Edit the functions of the foot switches and other
stereoplotter buttons.
Inssetup and (Settings for ins) Make settings for the ins command. Inssetup activates a
-Inssetup dialog box, but -inssetup does not.
Setup (General settings) Change the settings listed in the DAT/EM capture
parameters dialog box.
SUPER/IMPOSITION Commands
SUPER/IMPOSITION
Command Purpose
Commands
Si (SUPER/IMPOSITION™ commands) Activate the AutoCAD-specific

SUPER/IMPOSITION options.
Text Insertion Commands
Text Insertion
Command Purpose
Commands
Gridit (Coordinate grid and labels) Place objects (such as ticks, polylines, or blocks)
on a grid. Options are given for grid labels and formats.
Labelit (Elevation labels) Add elevation labels or blocks to polylines with options for
rotation and polyline breaking.
Lineslope (Measure slope grade) Digitize points at the bottom and top of a slope, place
a line, and place a label indicating the percent grade.

Text Insertion
Command Purpose
Commands
(Continued)
Spotx and Spotxset (Spot elevations) Use spotxset to make settings for spotx. Use spotx to insert
spot elevation blocks and text.
Xyzin (Import from a file) Import text and other types of objects from an ASCII file.
difference between polylines where they intersect in the (X,Y) plane. See also
Crosscheck.
View Commands
View Commands Command Purpose
Closergview Change the AutoCAD view to (0,1,0) for a close-range project or to (0,0,1) for
an aerial project.
Datpan Perform a transparent view zoom whenever the stereoplotter’s cursor

approaches the edge of the video screen.
Datemrotate Rotate the screen view without changing the coordinates of the drawing. It is
often used so north will appear up on the screen. To remove the rotation, use
unrotatescreen.
Unrotatescreen Remove the screen rotation caused by Datemrotate.
Commands by Alphabetical Listing

The remainder of this chapter contains an alphabetical command listing.

3doffset
3doffset
Purpose: To offset a 3D polyline so that the polylines look equidistant in the XY plane. The new polyline may also be
offset by a constant elevation difference.
The 3doffset command offers a convenient way to offset 3D polylines for mapping
purposes. The resulting polyline is an even distance from the original polyline when
y viewed in the XY plane, and has vertex elevations similar to the ones on the original
polyline. A constant elevation offset may also be specified. When using 3D polylines,
it is better to use DAT/EM’s 3doffset than AutoCAD’s offset command.
x
To use the 3doffset command, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Before starting the command, prepare the original poly16
Step 2) line. In order to know the left and right sides of the polyline,
find out which end of the polyline contains the first vertex and
which contains the last.
Step 3) Start the 3doffset command:
Command: 3doffset
Select a polyline <Last>:
Step 4) Select any polyline or accept the default to use the last digitized object.
Measure offset? No/<Yes>:
Step 5) Choose either to digitize the offset distance or to enter the distance using the keyboard:
a.) To select the offset distance with the digitizer, enter Yes. To the “Pick an offset point” prompt,
carefully position the digitizer (mouse or stereoplotter) at an XYZ position that would be on the
new offset polyline. That is, the digitized point should define both the side of the offset and the XY
and Z distances from the original polyline. Note that this option can be accessed more quickly from
the 3doffsetmeasure command. See “3doffsetmeasure” on page 5-12.
b.) To enter the offset distances using the keyboard, enter No. Three more prompts appear:
Side for new line Right/<Left>:
Select a point to the side where the new offset polyline should appear.
Enter an xy offset distance <>:
Either accept the default value or enter the distance in ground units from the original
polyline to the new polyline.
Enter a z offset value <>:
Enter the elevation offset. This number is entered in ground units, and may be positive or
negative. For example, if -5 is entered, each vertex on the new polyline will be set 5 units
less than the elevation of the nearest point on the original polyline.
The new polyline is drawn. The number of vertices found in the original polyline is reported.
See also: 3doffsetmeasure, Curb, Road

3doffsetmeasure
3doffsetmeasure
Purpose: To offset a 3D polyline so that the polylines look equidistant in the XY plane. This command is the same as
the “Measure offset” option of 3doffset.
The 3doffsetmeasure command is the same as the “Measure offset” option of 3doffset. The 3doffsetmeasure skips
3doffset’s prompt that offers the user to enter the offset on the keyboard.
To use the 3doffsetmeasure command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Start the 3doffsetmeasure command:
Command: 3doffsetmeasure
Step 2) Select any polyline or accept the default to use the last digitized object.
Pick and offset point
Step 3) Carefully position the digitizer (mouse or stereoplotter) at an XYZ position that would be on the
new offset polyline. That is, the digitized point should define both the side of the offset and the XY
and Z distances from the original polyline.
The new polyline is drawn.
See also: 3doffset, Curb, Road

Arc3d
Arc3d
Purpose: To draw a 3D polyline that alternates between point-to-point mode and arc mode. The “arcs” are true 3D arcs
that are simulated by line segments. This command is useful for close range projects.
Arc3d draws a 3D polyline that alternates between point-to-point mode and arc mode. Arc3d is used primarily for
close range projects. For aerial projects, use autoarc3d (page 5-17) instead:
An “arc” drawn by the command... Arc3d Autoarc3d (page 5-17)
Simulates a true 3D arc? Yes. No. The result appears to be an arc

only when viewed on the XY plane.
Simulates an arc with line segments? Yes. True 3D arcs are not Yes. True 3D arcs are not possible in
possible in AutoCAD. AutoCAD.
Varies in elevation? Yes. Elevations are set so Yes. Elevations are interpolated
that the simulated arc between the three digitized points.
appears to be part of a The elevations are based on the
circle in 3D space. distance traveled in the XY plane.
Good for Close Range projects? Yes. No.
Good for Aerial Projects? No. Yes.
• Arc3d simulates a true 3D arc in space. It appears to be part of a circle in 3D

space; however, it can look distorted when viewed straight down on the XY plane.
• Autoarc3d simulates an arc in the XY plane and then varies the elevation along it.
It looks like part of a circle only when viewed straight down on the XY plane.
ARC3D (5,3.5,10) (7,8,3)
AUTOARC3D
AUTOARC3D
(5,3.5,10)
(1,1,1)
(1,1,1)
ARC3D
(7,8,3)
When simulating an arc, Arc3d asks the user to choose the endpoints and the center point of the arc. Vertices, or
strokes, are added to the 3D polyline to simulate an arc shape.
To use Arc3d, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Select a DAT/EM KEYPAD™ key or menu item for autoarc3d, or enter command:
Command: arc3d
From point/Stroke:

3D arcs are simulated using a series of straight segments, or strokes. If set small enough, the
Arc3d
Step 2)
segments appear to be an arc at the plot scale. To change the number of strokes, enter S and enter a
new number:
Enter number of segments in a circle <100>:
Step 3) For this first point, either digitize a point, or enter a snapping command such as endp or ins and
snap to an object. Depending on the current arc mode, the next prompt will be one of the following:
Line to point /Undo/Close/Arc/Stroke/Retro
Second pt of Arc /Undo/Close/Line/Stroke:
To this prompt, there are several options:
Action Arc3d Result
• Press the digitizing Digitize a point on the polyline. Straight segment mode is the default setting
switch when arc3d starts.
• U Remove the last vertex and continue.
• C Close and finish the polyline.
• A Start a 3-point simulated arc. The 3-point arc mode is started. Pick a point
along the arc, then pick the end point of the arc. After the arc is complete, arc
digitizing mode remains active until L is entered.
• L Start a straight segment. Straight segment digitizing mode remains active until
A or is entered.
• S Enter a new number of circle segments for simulating 3D arcs.
• R Change the last two segments (three vertices) to a three-point arc.
• Enter an AutoCAD Snap to another object and continue.

snapping command
such as ENDP
• <Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing, leaving arc3d active and ready to digitize
• “ ” (spacebar) button the next polyline.
hit once.
• <Enter><Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing and end the arc3d command.
• “ ” (spacebar) button
hit twice or
• <Esc><Esc>

Autoarc2d
Autoarc2d
Purpose: To draw 2D polylines in point-to-point mode, adding arc segments wherever necessary, and continuing with
straight segments when an arc is not required. autoarc2d is used primarily for digitizing roads with curves.
Autoarc2d uses 2D polylines in a series of straight segments and arcs.
To use autoarc2d, perform the following steps:

Step 1) (Optional) Set a digitizer button to toggle the mode. Set Type=User CAD and Action=A (“A”
followed by a blank space character). See “Buttons” on page 5-27 for further instructions. This
button may also be used for the autoarc3d command (page 5-17)
Step 2) Select the keypad or menu item for autoarc2d, or type the command and choose the option:
Command: autoarc2d
Step 3) To the first “From Point” prompt, either pick a point or enter a snapping command such as endp or
ins and snap to an object.
Step 4) Depending on the current arc or line mode, the next prompt will be one of the following:
Arc/3ptArc/Undo/Close/Retro<Endpoint of line>:
Line/3ptArc/Undo/Close/<Endpoint of line>:
To these prompts, there are several options:

Autoarc2d
Action Autoarc2d Result
• Press the digitizing Digitize a point on the polyline. Straight segment mode is the
switch default setting when autoarc2d starts.
• A or L Toggle from arc mode to line mode or from line mode to arc
mode. These letters are toggles rather than distinct settings, so
that just one digitizer button can be set to toggle the mode.
• Arc mode starts a 3-point arc. Pick a point along the

arc, then pick the end point of the arc. After the arc
is complete, arc digitizing mode remains active
until either A or L is entered.
• Line mode starts a straight segment. Straight

segment digitizing mode remains active until either
A or L is entered.
• 3 Start a 3-point arc segment. The 3-point arc mode is started.

Pick a point along the arc, then pick the end point of the arc.
After the arc is complete, arc digitizing mode remains active until
L is entered or the digitizing button is pressed twice within the
double-click time interval.

snapping command
such as ENDP
• <Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing, leaving autoarc2d active

• “ ” (spacebar) button and ready to digitize the next polyline.
hit once.
• <Enter><Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing and end the autoarc2d
• “ ” (spacebar) button command.
hit twice or
• <Esc><Esc>
Hint: Use editline to edit polylines created with autoarc2d or autoarc3d. See “Editline” on page 5-64.

Autoarc3d
Autoarc3d
Purpose: To draw a 3D polyline that alternates between point-to-point mode and arc mode. The “arcs” are simulated by
line segments. The result is intended to be viewed in the XY plane. Datemsnap may be used with autoarc3d.
Autoarc3d draws a 3D polyline that alternates between point-to-point mode and arc mode. Autoarc3d is used
primarily for digitizing roads that contain curves. For close range projects, use arc3d (See “Arc3d” on page 5-13):
An “arc” drawn by the command... Arc3d (page 5-13) Autoarc3d
Simulates a true 3D arc? Yes. No. The result appears to be an arc

only when viewed in the XY plane.
Simulates an arc with line segments? Yes. True 3D arcs are not Yes. True 3D arcs are not possible in
possible in AutoCAD. AutoCAD.
Varies in elevation? Yes. Elevations are set so Yes. Elevations are interpolated
that the simulated arc between the three digitized points.
appears to be part of a The elevations are based on the
circle in 3D space. distance traveled in the XY plane.
Good for Close Range projects? Yes. No.
Good for Aerial Projects? No. Yes.
• Arc3d simulates a true 3D arc in space. It appears to be part of a circle in 3D

space; however, it can look distorted when viewed straight down on the XY plane.
• Autoarc3d simulates an arc in the XY plane and then varies the elevation along it.
It looks like part of a circle only when viewed straight down on the XY plane.
ARC3D (5,3.5,10) (7,8,3)
AUTOARC3D
AUTOARC3D
(5,3.5,10)
(1,1,1)
(1,1,1)
ARC3D
(7,8,3)
Somewhere in space XY Plane

When simulating an arc, autoarc3d asks the user to choose the endpoints and the center point of the arc. Vertices, or
Autoarc3d
strokes, are added to the 3D polyline to simulate an arc shape. These vertices vary gradually in elevation from the
elevation of the first point to the middle point, and then again from the middle point to the end point.
To use autoarc3d, perform the following steps:

Step 1) (Optional) If moving the analytical or digital stereoplotter to the (X,Y,Z) of a snapped-to point is
desired, turn on Datemsnap and any desired ‘osnap snaps. (See “Datemsnap” on page 5-46).
• Note that Datemsnap will override autoarc3d’s own Plotter z[OFF] 2D snap setting.
• There is a difference between Datemsnap and autoarc3d’s own Plotter z[ON] setting.
Datemsnap will drive the stereoplotter to the 3D snap, but Plotter z[ON] will allow the 3D
snap without moving the stereoplotter to the point.
Step 2) (Optional) Set a digitizer button to toggle the mode. Set Type=User CAD and Action=A (“A”
followed by a blank space character). See “Buttons” on page 5-27 for further instructions.
Step 3) Select the keypad or menu item for autoarc3d, or type the command and choose the option:
Command: autoarc3d
From point/Stroke/Plotter z[OFF]:
Step 4) 3D arcs are simulated using a series of straight segments, or strokes. If set small enough, the
segments appear to be an arc at the plot scale. To change the number of strokes, enter S and enter a
new number:
Enter number of segments in a circle for 3d arc simulation <64>:
Step 5) If snapping to other objects when Datemsnap is off, enter P to toggle the setting as follows:
• To snap to the X,Y location of the other object, but use the stereoplotter’s elevation, turn [on]
the stereoplotter Z setting.
• To snap to the X,Y, and Z location of the other object, turn [off] the stereoplotter Z setting.
Step 6) For this first point, either pick a point, or enter a snapping command such as endp or ins and snap
to an object. Depending on the current arc mode, the next prompt will be one of the following:
Line to point /Undo/Close/Arc/Stroke/Retro/Plotter z[OFF]:
Line to point /Undo/Close/Line/Stroke/Retro/Plotter z[OFF]:
To this prompt, there are several options:
• Press the digitizing Digitize a point. Note that Straight segment mode is the default setting when
switch autoarc3d starts.

Autoarc3d
• A or L Toggle from arc mode to line mode or from line mode to arc mode. These
letters are toggles rather than distinct settings, so that just one digitizer button
can be set to toggle the mode.
• Arc mode starts a 3-point simulated arc segment. Pick a point

along the arc, then pick the end point of the arc. After the arc is
complete, arc digitizing mode remains active until either A or L
is entered.
• Line mode starts a straight segment. Straight segment digitizing

mode remains active until either A or L is entered.
• S Enter a new number of circle segments for simulating 3D arcs.
• P Toggle the elevation setting to be used when snapping to other objects:

• To snap to the X,Y location of the other object, but use the
stereoplotter’s elevation, turn [on] the stereoplotter Z setting.
(Datemsnap must be off for this to work. If Datemsnap is on,
the snap will always be 3D.)
• To snap to the X,Y, and Z location of the other object, turn [off]
the stereoplotter Z setting. (If Datemsnap is on, the stereoplotter
will also move to the snapped-to point.)
• Enter an AutoCAD Snap to another object and continue. (If Datemsnap is on, the stereoplotter
snapping command will move to the (X,Y,Z) location of the snapped-to point.)
such as ENDP
• <Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing, leaving autoarc3d active and ready to
• “ ” (spacebar) button digitize the next polyline.
hit once.
• <Enter><Enter> or Finish the polyline without closing and end the autoarc3d command.
• “ ” (spacebar) key hit
twice or
• <Esc><Esc>
Hint: Use editline to edit polylines created with autoarc2d or autoarc3d. See “Editline” on page 5-64.

Autolist
Autolist
Purpose: To display object information as the system cursor passes over the object. No button selections are necessary.
This is a separate .arx command activated by autolist.arx.
Select Autolist from

the Editing Tools
option of the Datem
pull-down menu.
As the system cursor moves

over an object in the
AutoCAD drawing, a list of the
object’s properties appears.
To use autolist.arx, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Select Autolist from the Editing option of the Datem pull-down menu in AutoCAD.
Step 2) When it is loaded, a small dialog box appears. To customize the contents of the list, select Settings.
Select the list text size.

To customize the
contents of the list,
select Settings. Select list items.
• To turn on the automatic

listing, select ON.
• Automatic listing will turn
OFF whenever another
command is started.
Step 3) If it is not already highlighted, select the ON button on the Autolist box.
Step 4) Place the system mouse cursor over an object in the AutoCAD drawing. A list of the object’s
properties appears next to the cursor. Note that the system mouse must be used; the stereoplotter
cursor does not activate the Autolist display.
Step 5) Select OFF at any time to turn off the Autolist command. The Autolist dialog box remains on the
screen. It may be turned ON again any time.

BlockRotate
BlockRotate
BlockRotateLast
Purpose: To rotate existing blocks based on their block name, layer, and/or location inside a closed polyline.
BlockRotate activates a settings dialog; BlockRotateLast does not.
Three runs of
BlockRotate
Perform the following steps:

Step 1) Load the ...Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\BlockRotate(version).arx file. To load
the file, use the appload command or select Load Application from AutoCAD’s Tools pull-down
menu.
Step 2) If blocks will be selected based on their location inside one or more polygons (closed polylines),
then either verify that the polylines exist or draw them now. Blockrotate performs an XY search
only; the elevation of the polylines does not matter.
Step 3) To use the dialog box, start the blockrotate command and make settings:
Command: blockrotate
Note: If no block names Note: If no layers are

are checked, the block checked, the layer filter
name filter is disabled. is disabled.
Hint: To rotate all blocks inside

polygons, set a Within Polygons Choose a rotation method:
layer and do not check any block • Absolute Rotation checked on:
names or layer names. Set the blocks’ rotation angle to
the selected angle.
Hint: To disable the Within • Absolute Rotation not checked:
Polygons filter, set it to (None The new angle is added to each
Selected), which is the first block’s original angle.
option on its pop-down menu.
Enter the new absolute angle

or angle offset in degrees. Select Apply to run the command.
Step 4) Or, to run the command using the most recent settings, but without activating the dialog box, enter
the BlockRotateLast command:
Command: blockrotatelast
The command runs without asking for input or settings.

BreaklineFilter
BreaklineFilter
Purpose: Change the layer of DTM points or blocks that are located near linework (breaklines).
Breaklinefilter
+
freeze the move-to layer
The breaklinefilter command changes the layer of DTM points or blocks that are located near linework. To use
breaklinefilter, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Prepare the DTM points and/or blocks and the polylines that will be used with breaklinefilter.
Step 2) Start the breaklinefilter command:
Command: breaklinefilter
Step 3) Begin to make selections in the Break Line Filter dialog:
Specify the layers or objects to be used as

breaklines. One or both of the following methods
may be used:
• To select individual objects, click on the Objects
radio button. Click on the Begin selecting
button. Select objects in the file, then press the
<Enter> key to return to the dialog.
• To select objects by layer, click on the Layers
radio button. Either click on the Begin selecting
button to select objects for layer matching, or
select a layer name from the pop-down list and
click the Add layer to list button.
Note: All selected objects and layers will be used
during processing. Clicking the Objects radio
button does not exclude Layers and vice versa.
Specify the layers of the DTM points and/or blocks.

To select a DTM point or block for layer matching,
click on the Begin selecting button. Select points
and/or blocks on each DTM layer, then press the
<Enter> key to return to the dialog. To select layers
by name, select a layer from the pop-down list and
click the Add layer to list button.

Continue to make selections in the Break Line Filter dialog:

BreaklineFilter
Step 4)
Specify the distance tolerances. A point

or block is moved to the Move to Layer
if the following are true:
• Its XY ≤ Horizontal Distance from
the XY of the breakline, AND
• Its Z ≥ Vertical Distance from the Z
of the breakline, as long as Vertical
Distance is not 0 (zero).
Note that Vertical Distance is ignored
if it is set to 0 (zero).
DTM points and blocks that fall within the Horizontal

Distance or are outside the Vertical Distance of the
breakline are moved to the Move To Layer.
Step 5) Select Process. At the end of processing, a message box appears to display the number of points
and blocks moved to the Move To Layer.
After the points and/or blocks have been moved to the Move To Layer, they may be selected separately from the
remaining DTM points or blocks. They may be deleted or saved according to the user’s preference.

Brush
Brush
Purpose: To insert brush tick block symbols along a polyline representing a brush line.
Before starting any block patterning command, perform the following:
• Set the layer for the new blocks.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block rotation angle and select the
desired Planimetric Patterning setting.
All blocks inserted at the same elevation!

If on (checked), all the blocks will be inserted as follows:
(from the setup box) •For 2D polylines: at the polyline’s Z
•For 3D polylines: at Z=0 and evenly spaced in the (X,Y) plane.
Blocks inserted at the polyline elevation.

If off (not checked), the blocks will be inserted at the polyline Z. On
3D polylines, the elevation will be interpolated along the polyline
segment.
To insert ticks on brush lines, type brush and choose the 2D or 3D polylines to pattern:
Command: brush
Select objects <Last>:
Choose one or more polylines or enter L to use the most recently digitized object. The computer then prompts:
(T)oggle side/(B)lock Scale=#/(P)attern Dist=# <Enter>:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until <Enter> is pressed. Several
options may be changed before the blocks are actually inserted:
• To instantly change the direction of the blocks, enter T.
• To change the block size, enter B and set a new scale.
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing in ground units.
• When the blocks are correct, press <Enter> to accept them.

The file is searched for the block BTICKR or BTICKL. If the block does not already exist, it is created. The ticks are
then inserted at intervals along the polylines.

BuildingFrame
BuildingFrame
(Formerly TinPolygons)
Purpose: Create 3D faces inside closed 3D polylines (usually buildings) and extend the sides to the ground.
Results of BuildingFrame viewed in SUMMIT

EVOLUTION’s 3D Vector Split View. (The Split View’s
Light 3D faces setting is off to the left, on to the right).
The BuildingFrame command creates either triangular or rectangular 3D faces

inside existing closed 3D polylines (usually buildings) and extends the sides to the
ground. This command may be useful to define building roof and wall planes. It is
also useful for displaying shaded building structures in SUMMIT EVOLUTION’s 3D
Vector Split Window.
For simplicity, all closed polylines will be called “buildings”. This is usually a closed
polyline digitized along the roof of a building.
To use the BuildingFrame command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) If necessary, load the ...Program Files\AutoCAD
(version)\Datem\Measure(version).arx file. To load the file, use the
appload command or select Load Application from AutoCAD’s Tools
menu.
Step 2) Start the BuildingFrame command and make settings.
Command: buildingframe
Choose a selection method: Check on Extrude to extend the

building “to the ground” in the Z
• To add 3D faces to all direction. For buildings, this is useful
buildings on one or more to make walls -- 3D faces -- from the
layers, check on the layers. roof to the ground. Choose an
• Or, check on Use selected Extrude option to determine the
and use the selection tool to ground elevation:
pick one or more buildings. • Set Use ground level to extrude
each side down to the same single
elevation value. Enter the value or
Choose a TIN method:
select Current Z to obtain the
• Choose Make complex... for stereoplotter’s current Z value.
nested polygons that belong to the
• Set use DTM files to extrude
same object. For example, a higher
down to a surface determined by
roof line inside a lower roof line.
elevation point files, such as a
This setting makes sure that the
LiDAR files. Use the Select button
inner segments are used as 3D
to browse for one or more files.
face edges. This is known as
Constrained Delaney Triangulation. • Extrude with Rectangles on
creates rectangular 3D faces; off
• Choose Make simple... to treat
creates triangular 3D faces.
every building as a separate object.
No searching is done for nested
polygons. Set Triangles (3D Faces) to
a layer for the new 3D faces.
Step 3) Select Apply to run the command. Run again with different input, or close the dialog when
finished.

SUMMIT EVOLUTION’s 3D Vector Split View and its Light 3D Faces option are useful for viewing the results.
BuildingFrame

Buttons
Buttons
Purpose: To activate the Button Manager application to set the functions of the stereoplotter cursor device’s buttons and
switches.
The Button Manager application sets the actions of the 3D cursor device buttons and/or foot pedal(s). The button
manager command activates the application, which runs outside of AutoCAD.
Complete instructions for the Button Manager appear in the SUMMIT EVOLUTION Operation Manual or the
supplemental documentation supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE for analog and analytical stereoplotters.

Capt2d
Capt2d
Purpose: To digitize elevation contours. Capt2d creates 2D polylines with elevations rounded off to the nearest contour
interval. Data capture may be toggled between stream and point-to-point digitizing.
Capt2d was designed for digitizing elevation contours, which are stream mode 2D polylines with elevations rounded
off to the nearest contour interval. (If rounding is not desired, set the contour interval to zero.)
To use capt2d, use the following quick guide. Details for each step appear below.
Quick Guide to using Capt2d
1. (Optional) To perform a transparent zoom without exiting the capt2d

process, activate Datpan before starting.
2. (Optional) To set a button to toggle streaming and point-to-point
mode, use the buttons command and set a button to Type=UserCad
and Action=s<space><space>.
3. Use setup to set the contour interval for elevation rounding. If
rounding is not desired, set the contour interval to 0.0 (zero).
4. Select capt2d on the keypad menu or type capt2d.
5. Start drawing the polyline. Press the digitizing switch to activate the
stereoplotter’s pen-down status. Begin tracing the polyline.
6. If desired, enter U to undo the last vertex, C to close the polyline, S
to toggle to point-to-point digitizing mode, or enter transparent
AutoCAD snaps such as ’osnap after activating point-to-point
digitizing mode.
7. End the polyline. Press the <Enter> switch to set the pen-up status.
8. Repeat until finished drawing contours.

To start capt2d, select a layer for the polyline, then select capt2d from the keypad or enter capt2d,
Capt2d
Command: capt2d
Polyline from point/(S)treaming [ON]:
The rounded elevation (the elevation that will be assigned to the polyline) will be displayed at the lower left corner of
the AutoCAD screen next to the (X,Y, true Z) coordinate display. This rounded elevation will only be displayed when
capt2d is active.
After the first few points have been digitized, more options appear in the prompt:
Polyline to point/Undo/Close/(S)treaming [ON]:
Input options for capt2d are as follows:
• Digitize a stream of vertices as the cursor moves: Entering S toggles the stream and point-to-point
modes. If the prompt indicates streaming is on, activate the stereoplotter’s “pen down” status and move
the cursor to start stream digitizing. On most stereoplotters, press the digitizing switch one time to
activate the “pen down” stream mode. On other stereoplotters, hold down the digitizing switch. Vertices
are collected automatically as the cursor moves.
• Digitize individual vertices using point-to-point mode: Entering S toggles the stream and
point-to-point modes. If the prompt indicates streaming is off, press the digitizing switch to add one
vertex to the polyline.
• Toggle stream and point-to-point digitizing: The data capture mode may be toggled between stream
and point-to-point digitizing by entering S<space><space>. The prompt indicates whether streaming is
on or off.
• Undo: Enter U to remove the last vertex without ending the polyline. This option may be used
repeatedly to remove all but the first vertex.
• Close and end the polyline: Enter C to close and end the polyline.
• Snap to other objects: First activate point-to-point digitizing mode by entering S to toggle to the
point-to-point digitizing mode. Enter transparent AutoCAD snap commands such as ‘osnap and snap to
other objects.
• End the polyline: To end the polyline without closing, press the switch programmed for a space, “ ”.
(See “Buttons” on page 5-27.)
The density of vertex capture during stream digitizing is regulated by the “collecting data” variables curvature angle
and XY distance entered in the setup dialog box. (See “Setup” on page 5-112.)
Since the DAT/EM MAP/EDITOR filter routine can be used to remove excess points from polylines, it is best to set the
spline filtering parameters to sample just a few too many points. The vertices left after filtering are all in their original
locations, so filtering a concentrated polyline is usually better than having to curve fit a sparse polyline to fill in
missing data.
See also: Capt3d, Datpan, Setup

Capt3d
Capt3d
Purpose: To allow convenient 3D polyline stream digitizing with the option to toggle to point-to-point digitizing mode.
This command is very useful for digitizing 3D breaklines for use with contour generation packages.
Datemsnap may be used with capt3d.
To use capt3d, use the following quick guide. Details for each step appear below.
Quick Guide to using Capt3d
1. (Optional) To perform a transparent zoom without exiting the capt3d

process, activate Datpan before starting.
2. (Optional) To set a button to toggle streaming and point-to-point mode, use
the buttons command and set a button to Type=UserCad and
Action=s<space><space>.
3. (Optional) To drive the stereoplotter to the (X,Y,Z) of any snapped-to points
while capt3d is active, turn on Datemsnap.
4. Select capt3d on the keypad menu or type capt3d.
5. Start drawing the polyline. Press the digitizing switch to activate the
stereoplotter’s pen-down status. Begin tracing the polyline.
6. If desired, enter U to undo the last vertex, C to close the polyline, R to
toggle use of the stereoplotter’s Z for snapping, S to toggle to point-to-point
digitizing mode, or enter transparent AutoCAD snaps such as ’osnap or
endp.
7. End the polyline. Press the “ ” (space) digitizing switch to set the pen-up
status.
8. Repeat until finished drawing 3D polylines.

To start capt3d, set a layer, then select capt3d from the keypad or enter the capt3d command,
Capt3d
Command: capt3d
Polyline from point/(P)lotter z [ON]/(S)treaming [ON]:
After the first few points have been digitized, more options appear in the prompt:
Polyline to point/Undo/Close/(P)lotter z [ON]/(S)treaming [ON]:
Input options for capt3d are as follows:
• Digitize a stream of vertices as the cursor moves: If the prompt indicates streaming is on, activate the
stereoplotter’s “pen down” status and move the cursor to start stream digitizing. On most stereoplotters,
press the digitizing switch one time to activate the “pen down” stream mode. On other stereoplotters,
hold down the digitizing switch. Vertices are collected automatically as the cursor moves.
• Digitize one vertex using point-to-point mode: If the prompt indicates streaming is off, press the
digitizing switch to add one vertex to the polyline.
• Toggle stream and point-to-point digitizing: The data capture mode may be toggled between stream
and point-to-point digitizing by entering S<space><space>. The prompt indicates whether streaming is
on or off.
• Toggle the use of the stereoplotter’s Z for snapping: If snapping to X, Y, and Z of another object, set
Plotter z to OFF. If snapping to only the X and Y location of another object, set Plotter z to ON. To
toggle the setting, enter P.
• Undo: Enter U to remove the last vertex without ending the polyline. This option may be used
repeatedly to remove all but the first vertex.
• Snap to other objects: Enter transparent AutoCAD snap commands such as ‘osnap or endp and snap to
other objects. Use this option while in point-to-point digitizing mode. If Datemsnap is on, the
stereoplotter will drive to the (X,Y,Z) location of the snapped-to point. See “Datemsnap” on page 5-46.
• Close and end the polyline: Enter C to close and end the polyline.
• End the polyline: To end the polyline without closing, press the switch programmed for a space, “ ”.
(See “Buttons” on page 5-27.)
The density of vertex capture during stream digitizing is regulated by the “collecting data” variables curvature angle,
XY distance, and Z distance entered in the setup dialog box. (See “Setup” on page 5-112.)
The primary distance filter for capt3d is the XY distance. The Z distance is used for special Digital Terrain Model
(DTM) work, where a 3D Polyline point should be sampled if the elevation changes. Often, the Z distance is set quite
high to disable it from influencing the sampling of normal contouring work. In a similar manner, when doing DTM
projects, set the XY distance quite high to disable it, set the Curvature angle to zero, and then sample only on the basis
of elevation change using the Z distance filter.
Since the DAT/EM MAP/EDITOR filter routine can be used to remove excess points from polylines, it is best to set the
spline filtering parameters to sample just a few too many points. The vertices left after filtering are all in their original
locations, so filtering a concentrated polyline is usually better than having to curve fit a sparse polyline to fill in
missing data.
See also: Capt2d, Datemsnap, Datpan, Profiledtm, Setup

Changescale
Changescale
Purpose: To change the units of the drawing by multiplying all object coordinates by a scale factor. Units available for
conversion are meters, centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet, and furlongs.
The changescale command multiplies every coordinate contained in every object of the file by a conversion factor.
For mapping purposes, this effectively changes the ground units of the drawing. Units available for conversion are
meters, centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet, and furlongs.
Changescale should be generally considered an editing tool. If it is used during map compilation, then a new
orientation must be performed using the new ground units.
To change the units of the drawing, use the changescale command:
Command: changescale
A dialog box appears asking for the desired units:
Select the original drawing units Select the new drawing units
The conversion ratio for the

selected units is displayed here.
To perform the selected To end the command without

conversion, select OK. converting the units, select Cancel.
When OK is selected, the conversion factor will be multiplied times every coordinate contained in every object in the
file.
Rescaling to or from English and Metric units will leave elevation contours with decimal elevations. For example,
when changing from feet to meters, the 100 ft, 125 ft, and 150 ft contours will obtain elevations of 30.48 m, 38.10 m,
and 45.72 m. It is recommended that elevation contours be regenerated with the new ground units when necessary.

CheckLineElevation
CheckLineElevation
CheckLineElevationLast, Check3D, Check3DLast
Purpose: To automatically find and change the layer of “flat” lines and polylines that have a total elevation range less
than a given tolerance. CheckLineElevation activates a settings dialog; CheckLineElevationLast does not.
Check3d and Check3dLast are alternate keyins for the same commands.
CheckLineElevation is a quality control tool. It searches the AutoCAD drawing for “flat” lines and polylines. A line
or polyline is considered “flat” if its total elevation range is less than the given tolerance. Any lines and polylines that
are found are changed to a different layer. The user can then view and edit them based on layer.

Step 1) Load the ...Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\CheckLineElevation(version).arx file.
To load the file, use the appload command or select Load Application from AutoCAD’s Tools
pull-down menu.
Step 2) To use the dialog box, start the CheckLineElevation or Check3D command and make settings:
Command: check3d
Choose a layer to assign to any

“flat” lines/polylines that are found.
Set Find Elevation Range Less than

to a distance in ground units.
• A line or polyline will be found if the
elevation range of all of its vertices
does not exceed this value.
Check one or more layers that contain
lines and/or polylines to search. • For example, if a polyline’s lowest
vertex is at Z=100.0, and its highest
• Note that if the same layer is checked
vertex is at Z=100.4, then its
here and set as the Change to Layer,
elevation range is 0.4. The polyline
that layer will not be processed. A
will be found if this value is set to
message will appear as a reminder.
0.5, but it will not be found if this
value is set to 0.25.
Select Apply to run the command.
Step 3) Or, to run the command using the most recent settings, but without activating the dialog box, enter
the CheckLineElevationLast or Check3DLast command:
Command: check3dlast
Step 4) A message shows how many lines/polylines were found. View the contents of the Change to
Layer and edit as desired.

Cleanup
Cleanup
Purpose: To delete two-vertex, zero-length 3D polylines and/or to add 0.05 to the second vertex of any polyline that has
the same Z value on every vertex.
The cleanup<version>.arx application must be loaded in AutoCAD in order for the cleanup command to work.
This command was designed for a customer whose third-party application left many point-like polylines in each
AutoCAD file. The following shows a LIST of a two-vertex, zero-length 3D polyline:
Both vertices are

at exactly the
same coordinate.
To run the cleanup command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Load cleanup<version>.arx.
Step 2) Start the cleanup command:
Command: cleanup
Step 3) Choose the type of polylines to process:

a.) Enter “A” for All: Process both “PointLines” and “FlatLines” options at the same time.
b.) Enter “PL” for PointLines: Delete every two-vertex, zero-length 3D polyline.
c.) Enter “FL” for FlatLines: Add 0.05 to the Z of the second vertex of any 3D polyline that has the
same Z value on every vertex. Works on 3D polylines that have any number of vertices.
A message box appears to report how many 3D polylines were changed or deleted.

ClipPoints
ClipPoints
Purpose: To clip (find and delete) points inside of polylines. Clipping may be specified either by object or by layer.
ClipPoints clips:
• Interior only
• Points only
Hint: Use ClipPoints to process interior clipping of point objects only. To process other object types such as blocks
and polylines, or to perform exterior clipping, use DatClip instead. See “DatClip” on page 5-44 above.
To run the clippoints command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Start the clippoints command:
Command: clippoints
Step 2) Make settings in the dialog box:
There are two methods to specify the Clip Region areas:

• To select individual polylines on any layer, select
Objects, then click on the Begin selecting button.
Select every polyline to be used as a clipping edge,
then press the <Enter> key when finished.
• To select all objects on certain layers, select Layers,
then use the desired methods for building the list of
layer names:
a.) Select the layer from the pop-down list, then click
the “+” Add layer to list icon.
b.) Click on the Begin selecting button. Select a
polyline from each layer to be used as a clipping
edge, then press the <Enter> key when finished.
The layer names are taken from the polylines and
added to the list.
c.) To remove one item from the list, click on its line
and press the “X” Delete selected button. To clear
the entire list, press the “Eraser” Clear list button.
To select the Target areas, follow the

directions for the Clip Region areas, but
select points or point layers to be clipped.
Step 3) When the settings are complete, select the Clip button. The status bar shows clipping progress.
When the clipping is complete, either select new clip settings, or select Close to end the command.

Closergview
Closergview
Purpose: To change the AutoCAD view to (0,1,0) for a close-range project or to (0,0,1) for an aerial project.
In aerial photogrammetry, the most common AutoCAD viewpoint is (0,0,1), so that the user looks at the X,Y plane
and uses Z for elevation. In close-range photogrammetry, the Y and Z axis are often swapped to give (0,1,0) as the
view; Y is used for “depth” changes, and the user looks at the X,Z plane.
Closergview, or “Close Range View” is used to quickly toggle the viewpoint between (0,0,1) and (0,1,0). To change
the view, select the keypad or menu item, or enter the command:
Command: closergview
<Aerial view>/Close range view:
Enter A for a viewpoint of (0,0,1). Enter C for the close-range viewpoint of (0,1,0). The command uses AutoCAD’s
dview twist to change the viewpoint.

Contourdown
Contourdown
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) To move the stereoplotter down one
contour interval in elevation.
To move the analytical or digital stereoplotter down by one contour interval, use the contourdown command:
Command: contourdown
If the stereoplotter has computer-driven move capabilities, the stereoplotter will be moved down in elevation
immediately.
The contour interval value is set in the setup dialog box. See “Setup” on page 5-112.
See also: Contourup, Datmove, Movebypick, Zmove, Setup

Contourup
Contourup
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) To move the stereoplotter up one contour
interval in elevation.
To move the analytical or digital stereoplotter up by one contour interval, use the contourup command:
Command: contourup
If the stereoplotter has computer-driven move capabilities, the stereoplotter will be moved up in elevation
immediately.
The contour interval value is set in the setup dialog box. See “Setup” on page 5-112.
See also: Contourdown, Datmove, Movebypick, Zmove, Setup

Crosscheck
Crosscheck
Purpose: To search for crossing polylines and mark the intersections.
The crosscheck command finds and marks polyline intersections. Intersections are found where:
• a polyline crosses another polyline;
• a polyline crosses itself.

To run the command, select the keypad or menu item, or key in,
Command: crosscheck
A dialog box allows selections to specify the polylines and the mark:
Select layers to check for intersections.
Make settings:
• Radius of marking circle is in ground
units. When an intersection is found, a
circle is placed around the intersection.
• Layer is the layer for the marking circles.
Either select an existing layer from the
pop-down list, or enter a new layer in the
field and check on Create layer if it
doesn’t exist.
Select the layers and specify the mark options. The mark is an AutoCAD circle drawn at the specified size on the
specified layer.

Culvert
Culvert
Purpose: To draw culverts based on the location of the culvert ends.
To show a culvert running under a surface and emptying on either side, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Select the CULVERT layer on the keypad overlay or menu diagram. Then select culvert or enter,
Command: culvert
First Point/Symbol size = n:
Step 2) To change the size of the culvert end symbol, enter S and enter the new size.
First Point/Symbol size = n: S
Enter symbol size <n>: 10
Step 3) When the size is correct, digitize the ends of the culvert:
First Point/Symbol size = n: (digitize one end)
Second Point: (digitize the other end)
The pipe part of the culvert is drawn as a line with “hidden” linetype. The two culvert ends are indicated by v-shaped
lightweight polylines with “bylayer” linetype.

Curb
Curb
CurbLast, CurbFilename <filename with path.reg>
Purpose: To add the curb and gutter offsets to a single polyline representing a street edge or center line. Curb activates
a settings dialog and runs the command; curblast runs the command using the most recent settings;
curbfilename <filename with path.reg> runs the command using the settings from a file.
(Curb backs and tops are shown offset in X,Y for demonstration purposes. Offset elevations vary.)
Curb activates a settings dialog box, then draws the curb lines. Curblast draws the curb lines using the most recent
curb or curbfilename settings, but does not activate the dialog box. Curbfilename <filename with path.reg> draws
curb offsets using the settings stored in a file. The settings file for curbfilename may be created using the Save
button on the curb dialog, and it may be stored anywhere on the local computer or its network.
To draw a curb along a street edge, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Digitize a polyline along either the road center line or along the top of the curb.
Draw either the center line ...
... or draw the curb top.
Step 2) To activate the settings box and draw the curb, use the curb command:
Command: curb
Or, to draw the curb using the settings from the most recent run of curb or curbfilename, use
the curblast command:
Command: curblast

Or, to draw the curb using the settings stored in a file, use the curbfilename command:
Curb
Command: curbfilename c:\MyConfigFiles\CurbConfig42.reg

Step 3) Select a polyline or accept L to use the most recently drawn object. A dialog box appears.
Step 4) Set the selected polyline to be either the center line of the road or the top of the curb. If Centerline is
selected, select curbs/gutters to appear on the right, left, or on both sides of the selected polyline.
Step 5) Check on all desired offset components, Curb Top, Curb Bottom, Curb Back, Gutter. The Curb
Top section will not be available if the selected polyline is already set as the curb top. If an offset is
not checked, it will not be drawn.
• Set the selected polyline to be either the

Center Line of the road or the Curb Top.
• If Center Line is selected, set the curbs and
gutters to appear on the right, left, or on both
sides of the selected polyline.
Check on all desired curb

and gutter line offsets.

Set the layer for each offset. To make a new layer, select the New... button and type in a new name.
Curb
Step 6)
Accept the layer with the OK button. The new layer is created in AutoCAD immediately and the
main dialog box returns. Note that even if the main dialog box is canceled, any new layers that were
made still exist.
To create a new layer, select the New button.
Enter a new layer name, then select OK.
Step 7) Make X,Y, and Z offset settings for the components of the curb. If the curbs are made according to
standard sizes, then the offsets may be entered using the keyboard. To measure the distances with
the stereoplotter, check on the Measure box.
Choose whether to measure the distance, and whether to measure it

immediately or after the dialog box has been accepted:
• To measure a distance and return to the dialog box before placing
the offsets, check on a Measure box. Then select the Measure button.
Follow the prompt to measure the distance. The dialog box returns with
the new distance showing.
• To measure the distances and place the offsets without returning to
the dialog box, check on the desired Measure boxes and make all
other settings. Select the OK button. Follow the prompts to measure the
distances. The curb offsets are drawn and the command is complete.
Step 8) To save the current settings, select the Save button. Both the curbfilename command and the Load
button can use the resulting .reg file. To return all settings to the defaults, select the Reset button.
Step 9) When all settings are made, select OK. If necessary, prompts will appear to digitize offset
distances. Then the offsets are drawn and the command ends.
See also: 3doffset, 3doffsetmeasure, Road

DatClip
DatClip
(formerly called Clipit)
Purpose: To clip (delete) objects inside or outside of polylines. Clipping may be specified either by object or by layer.
ode
ior m
exter
interior mode
The clipit<version>.arx application must be loaded in AutoCAD in Hint: Use datclip to process a combination
order for the datclip command to work. To run the datclip command, of object types and to perform interior and/or
perform the following steps: exterior clipping. To process interior clipping
of point objects only, use ClipPoints instead.
Step 1) Start the datclip command: Although datclip can process interior clipping
of points successfully, ClipPoints can do it
Command: datclip faster. See “ClipPoints” on page 5-35 below.
Choose whether to clip inside or outside the clipping regions:

•Select Interior to clip the target objects
away from the inside of the clip regions.
•Select Exterior to clip the target objects
away from the outside of the clip regions.
There are two methods to specify the Clip Region areas:

• To select individual polylines on any layer, select Objects,
then click on the Begin selecting button. Select every
polyline to be used as a clipping edge, then press the
<Enter> key when finished.
• To select all objects on certain layers, select Layers, then
use the desired methods for building the list of layer names:
a.) Select the layer from the pop-down list, then click the “+”
Add layer to list icon.
b.) Click on the Begin selecting button. Select a polyline
from each layer to be used as a clipping edge, then press
the <Enter> key when finished. The layer names are
taken from the polylines and added to the list.
c.) To remove one item from the list, click on its line and
press the “X” Delete selected button. To clear the entire
list, press the “Eraser” Clear list button.
To select the Target areas, follow the

directions for the Clip Region areas, but
select objects or layers to be clipped.
Step 3) When the settings are complete, select the Clip button. The status bar shows clipping progress.
Step 4) When the clipping is complete, either select new clip settings, or select Close to end the command.

Datemrotate
Datemrotate
Purpose: To rotate the screen view without changing the coordinates of the drawing. It is often used to make north
appear straight up on the screen.
The datemrotate command activates AutoCAD's dview twist command, and rotates the view to match the
stereoplotter model. It is especially helpful when North on the stereo model is not aligned along the stereoplotter's y
direction.
For example, if north is to the right on the photos, then when the stereoplotter moves to the right, the cursor on the
screen moves up. This is very distracting to the user. datemrotate is used so the direction of the cursor movement is
the same as the stereoplotter movement.
Pick datemrotate on the keypad or user menu, or type in the datemrotate command:
Command: datemrotate
Pick a point: (digitize a point with the stereoplotter)
Move straight up on the stereoplotter and pick a point.
(in the direction of Y axis): (move up and digitize again)
Almost any point may be picked. Just make sure there is room to move up in the stereoplotter's Y direction to take the
second point:
Move straight up in Y on the stereoplotter and digitize a point.

Datemsnap
Datemsnap
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) Drive the stereoplotter to the (X,Y,Z) of a
snapped-to point while 3dpoly or Autoarc3d is active.
The datemsnap command drives the stereoplotter to the (X,Y,Z) location of a snapped-to point. The stereoplotter
must have computer-directed move capabilities. Digital stereoplotters and most analytical stereoplotters will be able
to use this command.
To use datemsnap, perform the following steps:

Step 1) If desired, use the AutoCAD osnap command to set snaps on. Note that ‘osnap is a transparent
command, and its snaps may be turned on or off during the digitizing process.
Step 2) Turn on datemsnap:
Command: datemsnap
<On,Off>: on
DatemSnap is now ON.
Step 3) Start the desired 3D command. Datemsnap checks if certain 3D commands are active, and does not
affect other commands.
Commands that work with datemsnap
3dpoly (AutoCAD command)
Autoarc3d (page 5-17)
Step 4) When the snap is desired, either use an active ‘osnap snap or enter an AutoCAD snapping
command such as endp or nea. When the snapping point is digitized, the stereoplotter will be
driven to the (X,Y,Z) of the snapping location.
Step 5) When finished using 3D snaps, turn off the snapping command:
Command: datemsnap
<On,Off>: off
DatemSnap is off

Datmove
Datmove
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) Move the analytical or digital
stereoplotter to a control point or user-specified coordinate.
The datmove command allows the user to direct the analytical or digital stereoplotter to move to a specified
coordinate. The stereoplotter must have computer-directed move capabilities.
To activate the datmove dialog box, choose the keypad or menu item, or enter,
Command: datmove
Choose Control to select a control

point from the control file. Choose User to enter a coordinate
Select a coordinate if Control is on.
Enter a coordinate if User is on.
Select Move to move the stereoplotter.
Select either a control point or a user-entered point, select the coordinate, then use the Move button.
See also: Contourdown, Contourup, Movebypick, Zmove

Datpan
Datpan
Purpose: To perform a transparent view zoom whenever the stereoplotter’s cursor approaches the edge of the AutoCAD
graphics view.
It is often convenient to perform a transparent view pan. A transparent pan will not cancel or interfere with any other
active command. The datpan command activates a transparent zoom center command whenever the stereoplotter’s
cursor approaches the edge of the video screen.
To activate datpan, select the keypad or menu key or enter the command,
Command: datpan
<Off>/On/Percent:
The options are as follows:
Off Turn off view panning. The cursor will be able to move out of the view.
On Turn on view panning. The cursor will never move out of the view; when it
approaches the edge of the view, a Zoom Center will be performed.
P Control the location of the cursor when the Zoom Center takes place. This value may
be set between 0% and 100%.
• 100% would cause a Zoom Center whenever the cursor moved at all;
the cursor would appear to remain in the center of the view at all times.
• 50% would cause a Zoom Center when the cursor moved half the
distance from the center to the edge of the view.
• 10% would cause a Zoom Center when the cursor moved nine-tenths
the distance from the center to the edge of the view.
The datpan Percent option is illustrated in the following diagram:

Datpan View Percentages
If Percent is set to 10%, the
view pans when the cursor
attempts to move outside
this rectangle
If Percent is set to 40%, the

view pans when the cursor
attempts to move outside
this rectangle

Dep
Dep
Purpose: To insert depression tick block symbols along a depression contour.


segment.
To insert ticks on depression contours, select the keypad or menu item or enter the dep command:
Command: dep
Choose one or more depression contours (polylines) or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The
computer then prompts:
(T)oggle side/(B)lock scale=#/(P)attern dist=# <Enter>:

The file is searched for the block DTICKR or DTICKL. If the block does not already exist, it is created. The ticks are
then inserted at intervals along the depression contour.

Depression
Depression
Purpose: To automatically find existing depression contours and either pattern them with blocks or change their layer.
To automatically find existing depression contours and either pattern them with blocks or change their layer, perform
the following steps:
Step 1) Prepare the drawing file. The file should have existing elevation contours:
• All contours, depression and rising, may be on the same layer. (If depression contours are
already on a different layer, “Dep” on page 5-49 above may be a better choice.)
• The depression contours must be closed polylines.
• All contours must be accurate in 3D. That is, they should be 2D or 3D polylines with Z
equal to the ground elevation.
• The drawing should contain depression indicators, which may be blocks, points, or 3D
polylines (breaklines) at the lowest elevations. There should be at least one depression
indicator inside the area of each depression contour.
Spot elevation block Breakline 3D polyline DTM points

depression indicator depression indicator depression indicators
Step 2) Load the ...Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\Depression(version).arx file. To load the

file, use the appload command or select Load Application from AutoCAD’s Tools pull-down
menu.

Start the depression command and start to make settings in the dialog box:
Depression
Step 3)
Command: depression
Check one or more layers that

contain elevation contours.
Choose what to do when a

depression contour is found:
• Pattern places blocks at
intervals along the polyline.
Choose the block name,
layer, scale, and distance
apart.
• Change Layer changes the
polyline to a different layer.
Step 4) Continue to make settings:
Choose one or more types of depression

indicators that exist in the file:
• Block Name: These blocks exist at the
lowest ground elevations. These are
usually spot elevations.
• Point Layer: Points exist at the lowest
ground elevations. These are usually
DTM mass points.
• BreakLineLayer: 3D polylines exist at
the lowest ground elevations in the file.
These are usually breaklines that were
digitized along the highest and lowest
ground features, for example, along ridge
tops and ditch bottoms.
Step 5) Select Apply to run the command.

DTMdistributor
DTMdistributor
Purpose: To combine two or more DTM point sets into a single set; to redistribute DTM points at a new grid interval.
The DTMdistributor command is used to combine overlapping sets of DTM points into one non-overlapping set at a
new grid interval.
Three separate sets Distributed into a single

of DTM XYZ data set at a new grid interval
Distribute DTMs
Input from layers and/or files Output into layers and/or files
To use DTMdistributor, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Prepare one or more DTM point sets. Point sets may be XYZ data contained in one or both of the
following formats:
a.) Point objects currently in the AutoCAD drawing;
b.) Inpho MATCH-T files.
Step 2) Start the DTMdistributor command:
Command: dtmdistributor

Points in the current drawing file may be used as input. To use points, select the Drawing Input tab
DTMdistributor
Step 3)
and select layers that contain points. Note that Drawing Input and Match Files input can be used
at the same time.
To use points on layers in the current drawing

as input, select the Drawing Input tab.
To select a layer from

the current drawing file,
select the layer name
from the pop-down list,
then click the “+” icon.
Any listed layer may be removed, if desired:

• To remove all the files from the list, select
the eraser icon.
• To remove one file, highlight its name in To select points in the file for layer
the list, then select the “X” icon. matching, select the Select
entities... button. Select points, then
click the right mouse button or key in
<Enter> to return to this dialog box.
Step 4) If Inpho MATCH-T output files are available, select the Match Files tab. Use the Browse for
Match Files button to select each MATCH-T xyz, yxz, dtm, and/or dem file. Note that Drawing
Input and Match Files input can be used at the same time.
If one or more MATCH-T output files are

available as input, select the Match Files tab.
Check on the types of

MATCH-T points to use as
input. If a point is found in
the file, but its type code is
not checked on, then the
point will be ignored.
Any listed file may be removed,

if desired:
• To remove all the files from Select the Browse for Match
the list, select the eraser icon. Files button and select one or
• To remove one file, highlight more MATCH-T output files.
its name in the list, then
select the “X” icon.

Select the Output tab to set one or more output formats:

DTMdistributor
Step 5)
Select the Output tab.

Set Distance to the Drag the angle pointer to
distance between points set the Angle of the rows
in the new DTM grid. in the new DTM grid.
Select one or more of the following output

formats for the newly calculated DTM grid:
• To place points in the current drawing file,
select a Layer for the new points. To
create a new layer, select the Launch...
button to the right of the layer field.
• To write the points out to an ASCII (text)
file, specify a file name in the XYZ ASCII
File field.
• To write the points out to a Summit binary
format DTM file for use with SUMMIT
EVOLUTION’s Terrain Following tool,
specify a file name in the Summit DTM
File field.
Note: To prevent an output format from
being used, leave its field blank.
Step 6) If desired, select each tab again to verify that all necessary settings are correct.
Step 7) Select the Distribute button to create the new DTM point distribution and output formats.

DTMeditor
DTMeditor
Purpose: To edit XYZ point data in the AutoCAD file.
The DTMeditor command edits points that are in the currently open AutoCAD file.
To use DTMeditor, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Start the DTMeditor command:
Command: dtmeditor
Step 2) Begin to make settings in the DTM Editor dialog box:
Select the type of object to edit:

• Check on Points to search for points
on the On Layers layers.
• Check on Blocks to search for blocks
inserted on the On Layers layers.
Select one or more layers search for the points

and/or blocks. If desired, use the check mark
buttons to check on or off all the layers at once.
To process only those points/blocks that are inside

polygons (closed polylines), select a Within
Polygons layer.
• If necessary, select the Delete all boundary
polygons to delete existing polygons on the
Within Polygons layer.
• To draw new polygons around the points/blocks,
select the Add boundary polygons button and
digitize one or more polygons. When finished, click
the right mouse button or key in <Enter> to return
to the dialog box.
• To save any newly drawn polygons after
DTMeditor is finished, check on Save Polygons.

Continue to make settings and choose an editing operation in the DTM Editor dialog box:
DTMeditor
Step 3)
Choose the coordinate components, X, Y, and/or

Z, that are to be changed on each block/point. If
a coordinate component is not checked, that
component on the point/block will not change.
Choose an operation to edit the points/blocks:

• Redigitize each coordinate: If connected with DAT/EM
CAPTURE to a computer-controlled stereoplotter (not an
analog stereoplotter), Measure Each drives the
stereoplotter cursor to each point or block and allows the
user to redigitize its position.
• Move to a specific coordinate: Enter a new coordinate
in the X, Y, and Z fields. Select Set to move the
points/blocks to this exact coordinate. Note that only
those components that are checked on will be moved,
even if a value is entered in the component field.
• Shift by constant values: Enter a new coordinate in the
X, Y, and Z fields for those components that are checked.
Select Set to move the points/blocks to this exact
coordinate. Note that only those components that are
checked on will be shifted, even if a value is entered in
the component field.
Note: The point/block moves may not be visible until the
DTM Editor dialog box is closed.
Step 4) After Measure, Set, or Shift is finished, a message appears to show how many objects were edited.
The DTM Editor box reappears.
Step 5) Continue editing objects. Select Close when finished.

DTMit
DTMit
Purpose: To set up a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project and digitize XYZ data on a grid.
• Points may be digitized on the grid point, offset

from the grid point, or points may be skipped.
Sample DTMit project • Digitizing may begin anywhere on the grid.
DTMit manages inclusion and exclusion areas, grid placement and view, objects for placement, and movement
options. It is the most useful on stereoplotters that have computer-driven move capabilities, such as SUMMIT
EVOLUTION and most analytical stereoplotters.
DTM digitizing on analog stereoplotter is often considered too complicated and time consuming, because the user
must perform all of the XY stereoplotter movement manually. However, if an analog stereoplotter is the only choice
available, some of the movement options may be simulated with a mechanical axis-locking bar. Follow the
manufacturer’s directions for using such a device. DTM digitizing is easier on an analog stereoplotter that has
SUPER/IMPOSITION, because the user can see the grid point markers without looking away from the images.
To use DTMit, perform the following steps:

Step 1) (Optional) If using the SUMMIT EVOLUTION stereoplotter, the Terrain Following tool may be used
at the same time as DTMit. This is how it works: The stereoplotter moves to the XY of the DTM
node, Terrain Following places the Z at the interpolated elevation, then the operator further adjusts
the Z to be exactly on the ground; as long as the operator does not move XY, Terrain Following
will not interfere with the operator’s Z adjustment. If Terrain Following is to be used, activate it,
then lock the XY cursor movement by selecting X and Y from SUMMIT’s XYZ Movement toolbar:
Use the XYZ Movement

toolbar to lock the X and For SUMMIT EVOLUTION stereoplotters only (optional)
Y cursor movement.
If the toolbar does not appear in

SUMMIT EVOLUTION, select Toolbars
from SUMMIT’s View pull-down menu.
Check on the XYZ Movement toolbar.

Digitize new inclusion and exclusion areas or verify that they already exist:
DTMit
Step 2)
a.) Although 2D polylines will work, it is recommended to draw all inclusion and exclusion
boundaries using 3D polylines at the ground elevation. The 3D polylines are especially important if
using SUPER/IMPOSITION, so that the boundaries and grid markers are visible at ground elevation.
b.) The grid marker elevations are calculated based on the elevation of the inclusion and exclusion
boundaries. Be aware that most stereoplotters will drive to the XYZ of the first grid marker, so do
not draw the boundaries at Z=0 unless the project is near sea level!
c.) Inclusion and exclusion boundaries may be drawn either clockwise or counterclockwise.
d.) Inclusion and exclusion boundaries may either be placed on separate layers or selected individually.
It is the user’s choice whether to use separate layers, or even many different layers, for inclusion
and exclusion areas polylines.
Sample inclusion and exclusion areas
Step 3) Start the DTMit command:

Command: dtmit

Select the Settings tab and begin to make selections:

DTMit
Step 4)
Enter the desired Grid Angle. To align

Settings tab
the grid to the stereoplotter model’s
angle, click the Model’s Kappa button.
Set the Size to the XY

distance between grid points. To erase all pre-existing POINT
objects on the selected Show
Grid layer, click the Erase all
To show grid point markers, points... button.
check Show Grid and choose • All POINTs found on that
a layer for the markers. layer in the entire file are
• The grid markers are a visual erased immediately.
aid to make sure the grid has • Although the erase has been
been calculated correctly. done, it is not visible until the
• The grid markers are POINT dialog box closes.
objects. They are inserted • If this button is used in error,
into the file every time close the dialog and use
Collect is selected with AutoCAD’s Undo.
Show Grid checked on.
• Some users find the grid
markers to be distracting in Choose whether to use
the SUPER/IMPOSITION view. POINTs or BLOCKs for the
If this is the case, either don’t digitized XYZ data. Set the
place the markers, or freeze Block name, block Scale
the grid marker layer later. and the Output Layer. The
block and layer must
already exist in the drawing.
Step 5) Continue to make selections from the Settings tab:
Choose a movement option:

• Free Movement allows the stereoplotter to move in any
direction away from the current grid point. XYZ data may be
digitized anywhere. Analog stereoplotters should use this option.
• Lock to Line allows movement only along the current line (row)
of grid points. XYZ data may be digitized anywhere along the
line. This option does not apply to analog stereoplotters.
• Lock to Point freezes the stereoplotter at the current grid point.
XYZ data may only be digitized (or skipped) at exact grid points.
This option does not apply to analog stereoplotters.
Drive to Ground is available for SUMMIT EVOLUTION

stereoplotters. As the stereoplotter moves to the grid
point location, image matching is performed to try to set
the elevation to the ground. This behaves as if SUMMIT
EVOLUTION’s Align button had been selected
immediately after each move to a grid point. The
usefulness of this option depends on how easily
automatic elevation matching is done on the current
images. It is easy to toggle this option on and off if
elevation matching fails in certain areas on the images.

Continue to make selections from the Settings tab:

DTMit
Step 6)
For systems with Super/Imposition, choose a setting for

Indicate the DTM position in SI:
• If the icon is light gray (on), then a temporary superimposed
point marker appears to mark the current grid XY position.
The Z of this point is set to the Z of the most recently digitized
point. Read more about managing the SUPER/IMPOSITION
display of DTM points below in Step 12.
• If the icon is dark gray (off), then no additional point marker is
displayed at the current grid point position.
Choose a grid row movement setting:
• indicates that it is already set to move left to right

along one grid row, then right to left along the next grid
row.
• indicates that it is already set to move in the same

direction along every grid row.
Step 7) Now choose the Select tab and select the inclusion and exclusion polylines or layers:
There are two methods to specify the Include areas. They are
Select tab both used at the same time during grid calculations:
• To select individual polylines on any layer, select Objects
and then click on the Begin selecting objects/layers
button. Select every polyline to be used as an inclusion
boundary, then press the <Enter> key to return to the dialog.
• To select all objects on certain layers, select Layers. Then
there are two choices for obtaining the layer names:
a.) Select the layer from the pop-down list, then

click the “+” icon.
b.) Click on the Begin selecting objects/layers
button. Select a polyline from each layer to be used
as an inclusion boundary, then press the <Enter>
key when finished. The layer names are taken from
the polylines and added to the list.
Note that all objects and layers are used during grid
calculation, regardless of the radio button status. This allows
you to select by layer and by object for the same run.
To select the Exclude areas, follow the

directions for the Include areas, but select
exclusion polylines or exclusion layers.

Now choose a grid collection start option:

DTMit
Step 8)
Choose a grid collection start option:

• Choose Collect to drive the stereoplotter to the
first point on the grid and begin XYZ data
collection mode.
• Choose Collect At and to drive the
stereoplotter to a selected starting point. To the
“Select the area to begin collecting” prompt,
digitize a point near the desired grid point. The
stereoplotter drives to the grid point that is
nearest to the selected point, and the data
collection mode begins.
Step 9) If Collect At was selected, a prompt appears:

Select the area to begin collecting {pick}
With either the mouse or the stereoplotter, select near the grid point or area where digitizing
should begin. The stereoplotter drives to the grid point that is nearest to the selected point, and
the data collection mode begins.
Step 10) If the grid point markers were checked on, the grid appears as points in the drawing. Verify that the
grid has been calculated in the correct XY locations. Remember, the grid point markers are not at
the ground Z. They are not data points, they are a tool for viewing the calculated grid.
Step 11) A prompt appears:
Measure point (Cancel to skip/Return to dialog/Toggle DTG(now off)/Undo):
Collect XYZ data. Choose from the following actions:

a.) Digitize a point: Carefully position the stereoplotter at the Z elevation of the ground. Or, if XY
movement is possible, carefully position the stereoplotter at the desired XYZ coordinate. Press
the stereoplotter’s “Pick” digitizing switch1.
b.) Skip a point: Press the stereoplotter’s “Cancel” switch to skip to the next grid point.
c.) Stop digitizing and return to the dialog: Enter R to stop digitizing and return to the dialog.
Changes may then be made to the DTMit settings, or the DTMit dialog may be closed. To
resume the same project later, use the same DTMit settings; previously digitized points will be
found and skipped automatically.
d.) Toggle “DTG” (Drive to Ground): Enter T to toggle “Drive to Ground” on or off.
e.) Undo the last point: Enter U to remove the last point and move back to its location. The
points can be undone back to the first point of this DTMit session. If part of the project was
digitized with a previous run of DTMit, those previously existing points cannot be undone.
1. In DTM projects, the “Pick” and “Cancel” switches are used repeatedly. For the user’s comfort, the most
easy-to-use switches should be programmed to these functions. See “Buttons” on page 5-27 for instructions.

DTMit
Sample of DTMit in progress
Step 12) If SUPER/IMPOSITION is present, make sure the settings are convenient for the user. The following
are hints and troubleshooting ideas for DTMit with SUPER/IMPOSITION:
a.) While the Show Grid markers are convenient for checking the grid calculation, they may be
distracting during digitizing. Use the transparent ‘layer command to freeze the grid marker
layer without interrupting DTMit.
b.) If using SUMMIT EVOLUTION, try different SUPER/IMPOSITION Clip Scope settings. Some users
may like the way Clip Scope makes the marker disappear when the cursor is very close to it.
c.) If grid markers do not appear on the SUPER/IMPOSITION display, check that SI is turned ON in
AutoCAD and that POINT display is on in the SUPER/IMPOSITION client or in SUMMIT
EVOLUTION’s SI settings. SUMMIT EVOLUTION users should check the Clip Scope setting.
d.) If two different grid markers appear at the current grid location, it is because Show grid and
Indicate the grid location in SI are both on. They appear at different elevations because the
Show grid point is based on the inclusion/exclusion area elevations, and the Indicate... point
is based on the elevation of the last digitized point. To reduce the number of points displayed in
SUPER/IMPOSITION, simply freeze the Show grid layer using the transparent ‘layer command.

Edbox
Edbox
Purpose: The edbox command is a tool to keep track of edited areas on a drawing.
The edbox command is a tool to keep track of edited areas on a drawing. Edit boxes are useful to avoid gaps in the
edited area, and they make it easier for two people to edit the same project.
Use edbox to place box-shaped blocks over a newly digitized drawing. Completely edit the area under a box, then
erase the box. When the boxes are all gone, the project is completely edited.
First start the command and define the entire area of box coverage:
Command: edbox
Box from point:
Box to point:
Select opposite corners of the area to be covered. Then define the box block size:
Block size from point:

Block size to point:
Select opposite corners defining the size of an individual box. The box size should be defined so all objects in the box
can be edited without zooming smaller than the box.

Editline
Editline
Purpose: To edit polylines. Choose from the following functions:
1. End: Append to an end or replace an end section with a new series of straight segments and/or arcs;
2. Inner: Replace an interior section with a new series of straight segments and/or arcs;
3. Join: Join two polylines (or selected portions of two polylines) by drawing a new series of straight
segments and/or arcs between them;
4. ShiftZ: Edit the elevation of individual vertices within a 3D polyline; edit the elevation of a 2D polyline.
Editline End
Select end of polyline
and draw new section.
Original
polyline Finish.
Editline Inner Select section to

replace and draw
Original new section Finish.
polyline
Editline Join
Select ends of
polylines and
Two original draw new section Finish.
polylines
Editline ShiftZ
Z=5998.00 Set the correct Z=11.26
Z=11.24 elevation and Z=11.24
Z=11.28 Z=11.28
select the vertex.
Z=-999.99 Repeat. Z=11.27
Z=11.25 Z=11.25
Note: For a 2D polyline, the entire line is changed to the new elevation.
To run the editline command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Start the editline command:
Command: editline
[End/Inner/Join/ShiftZ]:

Select an editing mode and follow the prompts:

Editline
Step 2)
a.) End: To replace an end section of a polyline with a new section, enter E, e, or end.
Select polyline break point:
Select the point on the polyline where the new section is to connect. The closest end
section is removed and a drawing prompt appears. Go on to the next step for
information about drawing the new section.
b.) Inner: To replace an interior section of one polyline with a new section, enter I, i, or inner.
Select first break point:
Select second break point:
Select the ends of the polyline section that is to be replaced. The section that will be
removed is highlighted in red and a digitizing prompt appears. Go on to the next step
for information about drawing the new section.
c.) Join: To replace the end sections of two polylines, draw a new section, and join all three parts
together into one polyline, enter J, j, or join.
Select first polyline break point:
Select second polyline break point:
Select the points on the first and second polylines where the new section is to connect.
The polylines may be 2D or 3D. Note that if one polyline is 3D, the result is 3D. If
both polylines are 2D, the result is 2D.
Now choose the correct ends to remove. The first polyline turns green on the end that
is to be saved and red on the end that is to be removed. A prompt appears:
Accept/Opposite breakpoints? <A>
If the red end is the correct end to remove, select A or <Enter>. To remove the green
end instead, enter O, o, or Opposite; the red highlight changes to indicate the other
end of the polyline. Repeat for the second polyline.
The red highlights remain on the screen to show the end sections that are to be
removed. A digitizing prompt appears. Go on to the next step for information about
drawing the new section.
d.) ShiftZ: To edit the elevation of individual vertices, enter S, s, or shiftz.

Please measure vertex(3d) or line(2d)at its new elevation:
If using the stereoplotter to digitize, set the stereoplotter to the correct elevation, then
pick a 3D polyline’s vertex or a 2D polyline entity with the stereoplotter’s digitizing
switch. If using the system mouse to digitize, first use AutoCAD’s elev command to
set the correct elevation, then use editline ShiftZ and pick with the mouse. Repeat as
necessary for other vertices. Enter <Esc> to exit the ShiftZ prompt and return to the
other editline options.

Digitize the new section. The digitizing prompt is different depending on whether the original
Editline
Step 3)
polyline is 2D or 3D. The combined 2D and 3D choices are as follows:
Action Editline Result
• Digitize a point Digitize a segment endpoint or an arc point, depending on which

digitizing mode is active.

snapping command
such as ENDP
• <Enter> or spacebar Finish the new polyline section and complete editline.
• 3 For 2D polylines only. Change from straight segment digitizing

mode to 3-point arc mode. Digitize a point along the arc, then
digitize the end point of the arc.
• A Change from straight segment digitizing mode to arc mode.
• For a 3D polyline: Start a 3-point simulated arc.

Digitize a point along the arc and digitize the arc’s
end point. Because true 3D arcs are not possible in
AutoCAD, many straight line segment strokes are
added to simulate an arc shape. These vertices vary
gradually in elevation from the elevation of the first
point to the middle point, and then again from the
middle point to the end point.
• For a 2D polyline: Start a 2-point arc. Digitize the

end point of the arc.
• C Close the polyline and finish the editline command.
• L Change from arc mode to straight segment digitizing mode.

Digitize a segment endpoint.
• P Use this option only when DAT/EM CAPTURE is running and the
stereoplotter is used as the digitizer. Toggle the elevation setting
to be used when snapping to other objects:
• To snap to the X,Y location of the other object, but use the
stereoplotter’s elevation, turn [on] the stereoplotter Z setting.
• To snap to the X,Y, and Z location of the other object, turn [off]
the stereoplotter Z setting.
• R Change the last two straight segments (three vertices) to a

three-point arc. This is a simulated arc for 3D polylines.
• S Enter a new number of circle segments (strokes) for simulating

3D arcs. A higher number produces more segments.
Step 4) Input <Enter> to finish the new section and end the editline command.

Fence
Fence
Purpose: To insert fence tick block symbols along digitized fence polylines.


segment.
Select the Fence keypad or menu item or type fence at the command prompt:
Command: fence
Choose one or more polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The computer then prompts:
B)lock scale=#/(P)attern dist=# <Enter>:

The file is searched for the block called FENCETICK. If this block does not already exist, it is created. Then the
block is inserted at intervals along each selected polyline.

Grail
Grail
Purpose: To insert guard rail block symbols along a digitized guard rail polyline.


segment.
Select the Guard Rail keypad or menu item, or type grail. The computer prompts:
Command: grail

The file is searched for the block GTICKR or GTICKL. If the block does not already exist, it is created. The block is
then inserted at intervals along the guard rail polyline.

Gridit
Gridit
Purpose: To place objects (such as ticks, polylines, or blocks) on a grid. Options are given for grid labels and formats.
The gridit command is often used at the edit stage to insert the map sheet grid with northing and easting grid text. It
may also be used for a variety of other grid types, including a Digital Terrain Modeling-type grid.
To place a labeled grid, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Draw a closed polyline around the area to be gridded.
Step 2) Start the gridit command.
Command: gridit
Step 3) Select the closed boundary polyline.

Step 4) Make settings in the DAT/EM Gridit dialog box:
Select OK to • Save saves the current settings.

create the grid. Select Reset to restore the • Load restores the settings saved
DAT/EM CAPTURE defaults. by the most recent Save button hit.
Step 5) Select OK to create the grid.

Gridit Example 1
Gridit

Gridit Example 2
Gridit

Ins
Ins
Purpose: To quickly and repeatedly insert blocks or points using the settings made by inssetup or -inssetup.
Ins is a function that offers quick and repeated block or point insertion. This command is often called along with
-inssetup from the .kds keypad overlay or menu diagram definition file in the symbol insertion section. For example,
to insert a series of runway light blocks at a selected scale, a keypad key is programmed as follows:
-LAYER{RET}SET{RET}UTILITIES{RET}-INSSETUP{RET}S{RET}INS{RET}RLIGHT{RET}
To use the ins command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Make settings using the inssetup or -inssetup command. See “Inssetup and -Inssetup” on page
5-73.
Step 2) If inserting a block that has block tag attributes in its definition, use the setup command to choose a
setting for the Prompt for block tag information. If this setting is checked on, then ins prompts
for block tags. See “Setup” on page 5-112.
Step 3) Start the ins command:
Command: ins
Step 4) To the “Block name” prompt, enter the block name if necessary. The block name will appear
automatically if it was set with the inssetup dialog box. Note that this prompt does not appear if
placing points.
Block name (NAME)/?: (enter the block name if necessary)
Step 5) To the “Undo/Pick point” prompt, digitize the insertion location for the block or point.
Undo/Pick point: (digitize the insertion location)
Step 6) If the “Scale”, “Rotate”, or “Scale and Rotate” prompt appears, digitize a second point to define the
scale and/or rotation angle for the block. Note that this prompt may not appear for some settings.
Scale and Rotate: (digitize the scale/rotation)
Step 7) Whenever necessary, enter U to undo (remove) the last inserted block or point.
Step 8) If desired, repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 to insert more blocks or points.
Note that the shot command is still available to insert blocks, but ins now has all the functionality of shot (see “Shot”
on page 5-116.). Additionally, inssetup and ins can insert blocks on a specified non-current layer.

Inssetup and -Inssetup

Purpose: To make settings for the ins command. Inssetup activates a dialog box, but -inssetup does not.
This ins and inssetup/-inssetup commands work together to make block or point insertion settings, then quickly and
repeatedly insert blocks or points. Inssetup activates a dialog box to make settings for the ins command. -Inssetup
works on the command line and does not activate a dialog box. Inssetup offers one layer setting that -inssetup does
not, but most of the settings for ins can be made interchangeably by either inssetup or -inssetup.
To use the -inssetup command to make command line settings for ins, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Start the -inssetup command:
Command: -inssetup
One/Rotate/Scale/(A)ll/Point:
Step 2) Enter the desired letter option to make settings for the ins command:
a.) Enter the letter O to insert a block each time the digitizing switch is pressed.
b.) Enter R to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick is the insertion
point, and the second pick defines the block rotation angle.
c.) Enter S to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick is the insertion
point, and the second pick defines the block scale factor.
d.) Enter A to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick is the insertion
point, and the second pick defines both the rotation angle and the block scale factor.
e.) Enter P to insert an AutoCAD POINT each time the digitizing switch is pressed.
Step 3) Use the ins command to insert blocks or points at any time after -inssetup is finished. Note that any
settings made later with the inssetup dialog box override settings made previously with -inssetup.
Because -inssetup does not activate a dialog box, the -inssetup and ins commands are often programmed together on
the DATEM KEYPAD. For example, to insert a series of runway light blocks at a selected angle, a keypad key is
programmed as follows:
-LAYER{RET}SET{RET}UTILITIES{RET}-INSSETUP{RET}R{RET}INS{RET}RLIGHT{RET}

To use the inssetup command to activate a dialog box to make settings for ins, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Start the inssetup command and make settings in the dialog box:
Command: inssetup
• If Rotate and/or Scale are checked,

an additional point must be digitized
• If Block is selected, the ins command prompts to define the rotation and/or scale.
for a block name and then inserts that block. If the • If they are not checked, each single
block definition includes a block tag and Prompt digitized point insert the block at the
for block tag information is checked on in currently set scale and rotation.
setup, then it will also prompt for the block tag.
• If Point is selected, the ins command inserts an
AutoCAD POINT each time the digitizer switch is
pressed.
If Force Layer is on, then the block or points

is inserted on the selected Layer. The
current AutoCAD layer will not be changed.
Note that this setting is not available from the

-inssetup command line options.
Step 2) Select OK to activate the settings for ins.

Step 3) Use the ins command at any time after the inssetup dialog box is accepted. Note that any settings
made later by -inssetup override settings made previously with inssetup.

Interp
Interp
Purpose: To interpolate intermediate elevation contours.
The interp command is used to add intermediate elevation contours to digital topographic maps. Index contours must
already be present in order for the command to run. For example, the following diagrams show the contours before
and after intermediate contour interpolation:
When to Use Interpolation

When used wisely, interp can save time without compromising the accuracy of the digital map information. It is
important to know when to use interp, and when not to use it.
Use interp when the elevation change is a fairly steady gradient, whether steep or flat. If the index contours are
generally an even distance apart, then interp can be used accurately and successfully.
Acceptably even ground slope Interpolation may be used
Warning!
Do not use interp

if the ground is bumpy and uneven!
Do not use interp if the ground is bumpy and uneven. The program will always attempt to place the intermediate
contours evenly between the index contours. In the case of bumpy ground features, this may not accurately represent
the ground. For example, the program will use the following index contours to produce these results:

Interp
Ground elevations are irregular
Contours would be interpolated

evenly, and may not be correct.
However, the true ground contours might not be evenly spaced. The following examples show other possible
intermediate contours for these index contours:
These ground features

could not be interpolated.
In these examples, the elevation is truly ambiguous, and should not be estimated by any sort of interpolation program.
Draw a Boundary for Interp (Optional)

Using a boundary is optional with the interp command. When a boundary is used, contours are interpolated only
within the boundary polyline. Draw a boundary by digitizing a polyline around the area of index contours to be used
for intermediate contour interpolation:
Boundary and Contour Polyline Information:
• Number of Vertices:
Upper Limit: The total number of vertices contained in the boundary line plus all the vertices
in the index contours inside the boundary cannot exceed 14,000. An error message will be
displayed if there are too many vertices. If this limit is too low, please contact DAT/EM
Systems for an expanded version.
Lower Limit: Each contour polyline must have more than three vertices.

Interp
• Number of Index Contours: There must be at least two index contours; however, there is no upper
limit to the number of index contours inside the boundary. The only limit is the total number of vertices
as described above.
• Boundary Assumed Closed: The boundary is assumed closed. That is, if the boundary's first and last
vertices are not snapped to each other, then the interpolation utility will assume there is a line between
the first and last vertices of the boundary.
• Index Contour Elevations: The index contour lines must already be at the correct elevations. The
interpolation utility uses the index contour elevations to determine the placement elevation of the new
intermediate contours.
• Boundary Elevation: The boundary can be placed at any elevation.
• Index Contours Inside or Extending Beyond the Boundary: The index contours may be completely
inside the boundary, begin or end at the boundary, or extend beyond the boundary.
The following is a sample boundary. Notice it is not a simple rectangle. This boundary excludes areas where the
elevation should not be represented by evenly spaced intermediate contours:
Original index contours Boundary added
Interpolation results

Run Interp
Interp
Once the boundary is drawn, set the layer for the new intermediate contours and start the program by entering the
interp command:
Command: layer (set the layer for the new polylines)

Command: interp
The program will prompt,
Select objects
Choose two or more 2D index contour polylines to be used as forms for the interpolated intermediate contours. When
finished selecting all the contours, enter a blank <Return>. Then the program will ask for the boundary.
Select Boundary <Enter for none>:
Select the boundary and enter a blank <Return>. The program will ask for the intermediate contour interval. The
default shown will place four intermediate contours between each set of index contours.
Enter Contour Interval <default>:
After the contour interval is supplied, the new contours will be interpolated. If more than two index contours were
selected, the new contours will be interpolated in order of their elevation.

Joinit
Joinit
(formerly called Join)
Purpose: Join two or more polylines together into one polyline.
To connect two or more polylines together into one polyline, use the joinit command:
Command: joinit
Select objects to join:
Choose two or more polylines, then press <Enter>. The polylines will be connected together based on the closest
endpoints.
• Any kind of 2D or 3D polyline may be used with this command.
• Arcs may be contained in the polyline, but if the end segment of the original polyline is an arc, the
connecting segment will also be an arc with a “best guess” bulge factor. The connecting segment may
need to be checked after the join.
• SPLINEs may NOT be used.

Note: The joinit command was formerly called join. The name was changed to prevent a command name conflict
with the AutoCAD 2006+ join command.

Labelit
Labelit
Purpose: To add elevation labels or blocks to polylines with options for rotation and polyline breaking.

To run the labelit command, perform the following steps:

Labelit
Step 1) Prepare to run the labelit command:

a.) (Optional) To place several runs of labels at once, draw polylines called “guiders” intersecting the
polylines to be labeled. The guiders should be on a separate layer.
Contours with guider polylines added After labelit using guiders
b.) Know the layer names of the polylines, guiders, and elevation text or blocks.
c.) If a block is to be inserted, make sure it is defined in the drawing.
Step 2) Enter the labelit command. The base line angle will be selected before the dialog box appears.
Command: labelit
Base line angle -180..180(0.00) degree(s)/(P)ick/<Enter>:
The base line angle should be zero unless the output plot is to be rotated. If the output plot will
be rotated, enter the angle or enter P to select the angle on the screen. The base line angle
defines the angle of the label text so it appears right side up. For example, if the base line angle
is 45°, the label will either be inserted at 45° or, if Align to segment is on in the Labelit dialog
box, -45°≤(text angle)≤135°.
Step 3) Key in the Enter key and make settings in the Labelit dialog box:
Make settings in the Selection Method area:

• Pick individual points prompts the user to select
objects to label.
• Create Guiders prompts the user to draw new
guider polylines (indicating runs of labels).
• Use Guiders from layer uses existing guider
polylines on the Guiders layer.
• Evenly Spaced labels polylines at even intervals. If
this is on, make settings in the Even Spacing area.
Make setting in the Set Layer name for area:

• Labels/Blocks: This is the layer for new elevation label text and/or
blocks (if Place Block is checked on).
• Contours: Polylines on the layer will be labeled where they
intersect the guiders.
• Guiders: This layer is used only if Use Guiders from Layer is on.
All polylines on the Guiders layer will be used as guiders. Labels
will be placed where the Guiders and the Contours intersect.

Labelit
Spacing Value is available if Evenly

Spaced is on:
• Select Individual Line allows you
to pick each polyline to label.
• Use Entire Layer labels every
polyline on the Contours layer.
• Spacing Value is the distance
between labels along the polyline.
Make settings in the Text area:

• Character Height is the text height in
ground units.
• Decimal Placess is the number of
decimal places to show in the label text.
Make settings in the Options area:

• Place Block inserts the specified block and
the elevation text at the same insertion point.
Choose the block name from the block list.
• Use Label Offset offsets the elevation text
from its default insertion point. This setting is
usually used to offset the text when placing
blocks along the polyline. X Offset and Y
Offset are the text offset distances in the X
and Y directions.
Continue to make settings in the Options area:

• If Align Text/Block to Segment is on, text
and blocks are rotated to the polyline. If it is
off, the base angle is used.
• If Use Object Elevation for Label is on, text
and blocks are inserted at the polyline’s Z
elevation. If it is off, they are inserted at the
current AutoCAD elevation.
• If Snap Text/block Center to Vertices is on,
the insertion point for text and blocks is
directly on the polyline vertex nearest to the
selection point or guider. If it is off, they may
be inserted on a segment closest to the
selection point or at the intersection with a
guider.
• If Remove Guiders After Labeling is on, the
guider polylines are erased (deleted) from the
drawing file.

Labelit
Make settings in the Clipping area (only

available if Place Block is off):
• Turn on Clip Around Label to break and
remove the polylines under the text.
• Turn on Save Clipped Segments to save
any clipped segments.
• Set the To layer field to the layer to store
the clipped segments.
• Set Clip distance to the width of the gap
around the text.
Step 4) If desired, use the Reset, Save, or Load buttons at any time.
• Save saves the current dialog box settings.

• Load restores the settings saved earlier by the Save button.
• Reset restores the system defaults to the dialog box.
Step 5) After finishing the settings in the Labelit dialog box, select OK.
Step 6) Follow the prompts to select or digitize objects. For example,
a.) If Pick individual points was selected, prompts appear:
Pick point on contour/(Esc):
(pick polyline where text will be inserted)
Pick point on contour/(Esc):
(repeat until finished, then enter <Esc>).
b.) If Create guiders was selected, draw one or more guiders at the prompts,
Guider from point:
Guider to point/(U)ndo: (pick)
Guider to point/(U)ndo:
(pick until finished, U to undo the last vertex)
Guider to point/(U)ndo: <Enter>
# polyline(s) for labeling found on layer Name.
Guider from point:
(pick points for another guider, or press <Enter> to end)
c.) If Guiders exist, select layers was selected, the program runs and finishes.

Lc
Lc
Purpose: To insert control point block symbols at all the coordinate locations read from the currently active orientation
control listing. (To insert selected points from a selected control file, see the Lcf command on page 5-85.)
The lc command inserts AutoCAD blocks into the drawing at all control points coordinates found in the currently
active ground control listing.
The file that lists the control points varies depending on the type of stereoplotter. For analog stereoplotters, the
currently loaded ground control .con file is used. For analytical or digital stereoplotters, DAT/EM CAPTURE reads the
stereoplotter’s control points and writes a file called control.con into the DAT/EM folder. This file is created
specifically for the lc command.
To use the lc command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Make sure the desired control blocks exist in the drawing file.
Step 2) Start the lc command:
Command: lc
Step 3) If a file finding dialog box appears, select a control file, then select OK.
Step 4) A dialog box appears. Make block and text settings.
If insert Block is checked Off, then

an AutoCAD POINT will be inserted
at the control point coordinate.
Point Name result
Insert Block result
x, y, and z location results
Make settings in the dialog box, then select the OK button. The control points will be inserted followed by a zoom so
that the control points appear in the view.

Lcf
Lcf
Purpose: To insert control point block symbols at selected coordinate locations read from a selected control file. (To
insert all points from the currently active orientation control file, see the Lc command on page 5-84.)
The lcf command inserts blocks into the drawing at selected control point locations from a selected control file. To
use the lcf command, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Make sure the desired control blocks exist in the drawing file.
Step 2) Start the lcf command:
Command: lcf
Step 3) A file open dialog box appears. Select the control file.
Step 4) Use the arrow buttons to select the points to be inserted:
Highlight control point names

and use the arrow buttons to
select points.
Step 5) Make block and text settings. This is the same dialog box that the lc command produces:
If insert Block is checked Off, then

an AutoCAD POINT will be inserted
at the control point coordinate.
Point Name result
Insert Block result
x, y, and z location results
Step 6) When the settings are correct, select the OK button.

The control points will be inserted followed by a zoom so that the control points appear in the view.

Lineslope
Lineslope
Purpose: To digitize points at the bottom and top of a slope, place a line, place optional end blocks, and place optional
text labels indicating the percent grade and the distance.
The lineslope command requires two points to be digitized at the bottom and the top of a slope; it inserts a line and
text showing the percent grade, calculated by:
% grade = [(Z change) ÷ (XY change)]*100.
To use the lineslope command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) If necessary, load the ...Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\Measure(version).arx file. To
load the file, use the appload command or select Load Application from AutoCAD’s Tools
pull-down menu.
Step 2) Start the Setup command and review the settings for Map Scale, Block Scale Factor, and Text
Scale Factor. These settings affect the size of the blocks and text placed by lineslope.
Step 3) Start the lineslope command:
Command: lineslope
Step 4) Make settings in the dialog:
Select Start to begin digitizing.

Select Stop to pause; select “x” to
completely turn off the command.
Step 5) Select the Start button. Follow the prompts to digitize the bottom and top of a slope.
Step 6) Repeat to digitize any number of slope lines. If desired, use a osnap endpoint snap to connect the
new line to the end of a previous line.
Digitize the first point at

the bottom of the slope.
Repeat. If desired, snap to the
endpoint of a previous line.
Digitize the second point
at the top of the slope.
Step 7) When finished, select the Stop button and select the “X” button at the upper right of the dialog.

Lpat
Lpat
Purpose: To insert a specified block symbol at intervals along a polyline. On polylines that are shorter than the block
interval, at least one block will be inserted.
Any block may be used


segment.
Select the keypad or menu item, or type lpat. The computer prompts:
Command: lpat
Block name/?
Enter the name of the block to insert at intervals along each selected polyline.
When the blocks are correct, press <Enter> to accept them.

MeasureHeight
MeasureHeight
Purpose: Digitize points at the base and top of an object; place a block to show the location and text to show the height
in ground units.
The measureheight command requires two points to be digitized at the base and the top of an object. It inserts a
block and text showing the location and height.
To use the measureheight command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) If necessary, load the ...Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\Measure(version).arx file. To
load the file, use the appload command or select Load Application from AutoCAD’s Tools
pull-down menu.
Step 2) Start the Setup command and review the settings for Map Scale, Block Scale Factor and Text
Scale Factor. These settings affect the size of the block and text placed by measureheight.
Step 3) Start the measureheight command:
Command: measureheight
Step 4) Make settings in the dialog:
Choose whether to
place a point or a block.
Select and existing layer, or key in

Place at top Z places the point or a new layer name to be created.
block at the higher digitized point.
If this setting is off, it will be
placed at the lower digitized point.
If Rotate Kappa is on, the text is
placed at the current SUMMIT
EVOLUTION model’s kappa angle.
Select and existing layer, or key in

a new layer name to be created.
Step 5) Select the Start button. Follow the prompts to digitize the base and top of an object.
Text is placed near the base or

top of the object, depending on
the Place at Top Z settings.
Digitize the first point at
the base of the object.
Digitize the second point

at the top of the object.
Step 6) Repeat to digitize the height of any number of objects.

Step 7) When finished, select the Stop button and select the “X” button at the upper right of the dialog.

Morphexporter
Morphexporter
Purpose: Export AutoCAD morphological objects into an Inpho GmbH-format .wnp file. This file may then be used by
Inpho’s MATCH-T software.
The morphexporter command exports AutoCAD morphological objects, such as DTM points, breaklines, spot
heights, exclusion areas, and buildings, into an Inpho-format .wnp file. This file may then be used by the Inpho’s
MATCH-T software to create a more accurate DTM point distribution.
To run morphexporter, perform the following steps:

Step 1) If necessary, load ...Program Files\AutoCAD (version)\Datem\MorphExporter(version).arx.
To load the file, use the appload command or select Load Application from AutoCAD’s Tools
pull-down menu.
Step 2) Collect morphological data as objects into the AutoCAD file. These may be 2D or 3D polylines on
specific levels that describe the following data types:
• DTM masspoints • Border line polygons • Break lines

• Spot heights • Exclusion line polygons
Step 3) Start the morphexporter command.
Command: morphexporter
Click on the (Click to Select) text or

the existing layer list to activate the
layer choices. Check on/off layers to
build the layer list for that data type.
If (Click to Select) appears, there

are no layers selected for that data
type, and that data type will be
omitted from the output file.
Check the options:

• Check on Text to include text
entities on specified layers.
• Check on Blocks to include block
entities on specified layers.
Browse/select a name
for the new .wnp file.
If needed, use this button to launch the
AutoCAD Layer Properties Manager. Select Export to
create the output file.
Step 5) Select Export to create the .wnp file.

Step 6) If desired, view the new file using the Launch notepad to examine exported file button. Be aware
that if the file is very large, Notepad will take a long time to load the file into memory.
Step 7) When completely finished, select Close. Use the output file later as input for MATCH-T.

Movebypick
Movebypick
Purpose: To move the analytical or digital stereoplotter to a point picked by the mouse.
The movebypick command moves an analytical or digital stereoplotter with software-controlled move capabilities to
a point picked by the mouse.
To activate the command, select the keypad key or enter,
Command: movebypick
A prompt appears to pick the point with the mouse. Select a point with the mouse digitizer. The analytical or digital
stereoplotter moves to the selected point.
See also: Contourdown, Contourup, Datmove, Zmove

OpenUp
OpenUp
Purpose: To open one or more closed polylines. Choose to either keep or remove the closing segment.
After opening with

Remove closing
segment option on
first vertex
Original closed polyline

After opening with
Remove closing
segment option off

Step 1) Start the command:
Command: openup
Select polyline(s) [All/Last/Previous/Remove closing segment[now
on]]:
Step 2) If necessary, change the Remove closing segment option. Enter R to toggle the setting.
Step 3) Select one or more polylines using either the cursor of one of the key-ins, A, L, or P.
Step 4) Press the Enter key to run the command.

Opsqr2d
Opsqr2d
Purpose: To digitize buildings using 2D polylines and align them orthogonally to a specified angle.
Base angle, 37°
Side exceeds the squaring angle
In psqr and psqr3d, the sides of each building are squared to the first segment drawn on that building. With the
“orthogonal” squaring function opsqr2d, all buildings are squared to a pre-defined base angle. Opsqr2d is useful
when many buildings are aligned with each other or with a street.
The psqr command uses a 2D polyline. Each vertex has the same elevation as the first point. To use a 3D polyline,
see Opsqr3d and Psqr3d.
To use opsqr2d, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Use the Setup command to make building squaring selections. set the Building squaring
tolerance and Automatically Close settings. For more information about Setup, see page 5-112.
For information about the Building squaring tolerance, see “Notes About the Squaring Angle for
Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d” on page 5-102.
Command: opsqr2d
Base angle (default) degrees -90..90/(P)ick /<Enter>:
The Base angle setting will be used to align the buildings. To accept the default, press
<Enter>. To change it, either enter the angle on the keyboard, or enter P and pick two points to
define the angle.
Step 3) To the “Square From point/Xy tol: ” prompt, make new settings if desired. The default Xy
tolerance is the currently set building squaring angle. For details on how this angle works, see
“Notes About the Squaring Angle for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d” on page 5-102. To change
the default setting in the future, see “Setup” on page 5-112. To change it for the current building,
enter X and enter a new angle.

The digitizing process and prompts are exactly the same as for “Psqr” on page 5-101, except it is not necessary to
Opsqr2d
digitize the longest side of a building first.
Step 4) Digitize the first corner, then digitize successive corners as follows:
a.) For rectangular buildings, digitize only the first three corners. Press <Enter> (on the keyboard or a
programmed switch). It will fill in the two missing sides if Automatically Close is set on (see Step
1), but it will fill in one missing side if Automatically Close is set off. Note: To override the
Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to fill in two missing sides and close.
Point 3, <Enter>
Result
Point 2
Point 1
b.) For buildings with more than four segments, digitize each corner. Press <Enter> to fill in the one
missing side if Automatically Close is set on (see Step 1). If Automatically Close is set off, the
polyline simply ends. Note: To override the Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to force the
polyline to close.
3 4 Result
Point 1
2 6
5
7
Point 8, <Enter>
c.) After the first three corners have been digitized, U may be entered to undo the last digitized corner.
Every corner may be removed except the first two corners. Resume digitizing at any time.
Step 5) If desired, continue digitizing more buildings.
Step 6) To completely end the command, press <Enter> a second time.
Note for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, and Opsqr3d

Digitize building corners, not sides.
Do not try to end by picking the starting vertex. Graphically, the building will
be missing one or two sides, but it will be completed when <Enter> is pressed.
See also: Opsqr3d, Psqr, Psqr3d

Opsqr3d
Opsqr3d
Purpose: To digitize buildings using 3D polylines and align them orthogonally to a specified angle.
Base angle, 37°
Side exceeds the squaring angle
In psqr and psqr3d, the sides of each building are squared to the first segment drawn on that building. With the
“orthogonal” squaring function opsqr3d, all buildings are squared to pre-defined base angle. Opsqr3d is useful when
many buildings are aligned with each other or with a street.
The digitizing prompts for opsqr3d are exactly the same as for opsqr2d and psqr. There are two differences between
the commands:
• Opsqr3d uses a 3D polyline instead of a 2D polyline. Each building vertex obtains the digitizer
elevation at the time it was digitized.
• The Z tolerance and Pitched settings entered in the Setup box apply to opsqr3d and psqr3d. They
enable vertical segments between rooflines that drop to different elevation levels.
To use opsqr3d, perform the following steps:
tolerance, Z tolerance, Pitched or Flat, and Automatically Close settings. For more information
about Setup, see page 5-112. For information about the Building squaring tolerance, see “Notes
About the Squaring Angle for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d” on page 5-102.
Command: opsqr3d
Base angle (default) degrees -90..90/(P)ick /<Enter>:
The Base angle setting will be used to align the buildings. To accept the default, press
<Enter>. To change it, either enter the angle on the keyboard, or enter P and pick two points to
define the angle.
Step 3) To the “Square From point/Xy tol/Z tol/Plotter z[ON]: ” prompt, make new settings if desired:
a.) To change the tolerance angles, enter X or Z and the new values.
b.) To use the stereoplotter’s current Z setting for each vertex, make sure Plotter z is ON. To toggle the
Plotter z setting, enter P.
c.) Press <Enter> to return to digitizing.

Digitize the first point, then digitize successive corners as follows:

Opsqr3d
Step 4)
1), but it will fill in one missing side if Automatically Close is set off and <Enter> is received.
Note: To override the Automatically Close off setting, enter a C to fill in two missing sides and
close.
Point 3, <Enter>
Result
Point 2
Point 1
polyline simply ends.
6 5
Point 8, <Enter> Result
7 3
4
2
Point 1
c.) If digitizing elevation drops (such as where one roof surface drops down to a lower roof surface),
the Pitched setting must be on. Digitize the last corner of one roof, then change the elevation to the
new roof level and digitize the point. If the angle to the Z axis has not exceeded the Z tolerance,
then opsqr3d forces the segment between the two rooflines to be vertical. That is, the X,Y remains
the same as the point on the first roof level, but the Z to set to the elevation of the second roof level.
Pitched is ON, VPOINT is (1,1,0.5) 4

5
3
2
6
(X1,Y1,Z1) 7
8 1
Points 1
9
Forced to (X1,Y1,Z2)
10 Vertical closing segment added
Point 11, <Enter>
d.) After the first three corners have been digitized, U may be entered to undo the last digitized corner.

See also: Opsqr2d, Psqr, Psqr3d

Opsqr3d

Orient
Orient
Orient_Only
Purpose: To reestablish the communication between AutoCAD and the stereoplotter and to send the stereoplotter’s
orientation to AutoCAD.
The orient command is used automatically when the DATEM CAPTURE application is first loaded, but if necessary, it
may be used at any other time to reestablish communication to AutoCAD. The orient command is very similar to
resetting the digitizer using AutoCAD’s reinit command, except that it also sends the orientation information to the
AutoCAD tablet. As it finishes, it runs Datemrotate so that north appears straight up on the AutoCAD view.
The orient_only command is similar to orient, but it does not run Datemrotate.
The orient or orient_only command may be helpful after communication between AutoCAD and DATEM CAPTURE
is lost. That is, if moving the stereoplotter no longer moves the cursor or updates the coordinates in AutoCAD, then
try the orient or orient_only command.
When the orient command is entered, messages appear in the AutoCAD text window. These message may seem
familiar, because they are the same messages that were seen when the DATEM CAPTURE application was loaded.
Command: orient
Calibrating tablet...
Adjusting for Kappa...
Regenerating model.
Because orient_only does not run Datemrotate, its messages show only the tablet calibration:
Command: orient
Calibrating tablet...
If the communication was successfully reestablished, the stereoplotter should be in control of the cursor movement in
AutoCAD. If desired, visit a control point to make sure the location matches the correct coordinates.

Profiledtm
Profiledtm
Purpose: To set up and digitize a Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) project. (See also “DTMit” on page 5-57.)
Note that DTMit is a newer DTM collection command that supports

exclusion areas and many other enhancements. See “DTMit” on page 5-57.
Partially digitized Profiledtm project
The profiledtm command is a DTM (Digital Terrain Modeling) sampling tool. It is most effective when used with an
analytical or digital stereoplotter with computer-directed move capabilities.
After digitizing the points on the profiledtm project, they may be written out to an ASCII file using the xyzout
command (see “Xyzout” on page 5-133).
Profiledtm Project Procedure

The following list shows a quick guide for profiledtm project procedures. Detailed instructions for each step appear
below.
DTM Project Quick Guide
1. Create a boundary polyline.

2. Create the profile set using profiledtm c.
3. Digitize points using profiledtm s.
4. End the command using profiledtm exit.
5. (Optional) Use xyzout to export the points (see page 5-133).

Digitize a Boundary Polyline

Profiledtm
Before running the profiledtm command, digitize one or more boundaries for the project:
• A boundary may be a 2D or 3D closed polyline drawn around the area to be sampled.
• A boundary may be in any plane in 3D space.
• A boundary may be on any layer.
Sample Profiledtm boundary
Create the Profile Set

After digitizing the boundary, use profiledtm create to calculate the profile set:
Command: profiledtm
Create/Sampling/Exit: c
Prompts appear asking for information about the profiles:
Parallel line distance: <default>:

Rotation angle <default>:
Layer name of profile lines:
Show profile lines? (Y/N) <Y>:
Select the boundary. The profiles will be drawn as parallel lines.
The profiledtm prompt appears again. More boundaries may be selected if desired.
Sample Profiledtm profiles (with dashed linetype)

Digitize Points on the Profiles

Profiledtm
To digitize points along the profile lines, start the profiledtm sampling option, enter S, and choose settings:
Command: profiledtm
Create/Sampling/Exit: s
Layer name of DTM points:
Use Blocks? (Y=Blocks / N=Points) <Y>:
Block name for DTM points? <SPOTX>/* for list>
Elevation text label of each DTM point? (Y/N) <Y>:
Drive: Locked, Incremental, Both, Manual? (L,I,B,M) <I>:
The following table shows the results of each drive mode choice and instructions for digitizing:
Drive Mode Results
Locked If Locked is selected, the stereoplotter’s axis will be locked so that the cursor can only move
along the current profile line. Locked is software controlled on analytical and digital
stereoplotters, but must be used with a mechanical axis-locking device on an analog
stereoplotter. When Locked is selected, the following additional prompt appears:
Undo/Next/Back/Finish (U/N/B/F) <pick>:
Move the stereoplotter along the profile and digitize points as desired.
•To digitize break points, move to the desired point along the profile and digitize, then
use Back increment or Next to return to the desired increment.
•To remove the last point, enter U to undo. Undo may be repeated.
Incremental If Incremental is selected, the stereoplotter automatically drives to the sampling locations.
Incremental may be used with analytical and digital stereoplotters with computer-driven
movement capabilities. When Incremental is selected, the following prompts appear:
Profile increment distance? <default>:
Skip/Back increment/Undo/Next/Finish (S/B/U/N/F) <pick>:
The stereoplotter drives to the profile increment points. After the point is digitized, the
stereoplotter moves to the next increment.
•To go to the next profile, enter S to skip.
•To digitize break points, move to the desired point and digitize, then use Back
increment or Next to return to the desired increment.
•To remove the last point, enter U to undo. Undo may be repeated.
Both If Both is selected, the analytical or digital stereoplotter will be placed in lock mode, but will
be driven by increments along the profile. Both provides the same prompt choices as for
Increment mode, but movement will be restricted to be along the profile line.
Manual If Manual selected, the user must move the stereoplotter to the sampling locations. Manual
may be used for analog stereoplotters and for analytical stereoplotter without
computer-driven movement capabilities. For the Manual selection, another prompt appears:
Undo last point/Finish (U/F) <pick>:
the user must position the stereoplotter on the first profile location. Sample points using the
digitizing switch. To remove the last point, enter U to undo. Undo may be repeated.
See also: Capt3d, DTMit

Psqr
Psqr
Purpose: To digitize and perform squaring on buildings and other man-made objects that have sides at right angles to
each other. Psqr uses 2D polylines.
The psqr command uses a 2D polyline. Each vertex has the same elevation as
the first point. To use a 3D polyline, see Opsqr3d and Psqr3d.
To use psqr, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Select whether or not to have the polyline close as the command
finishes. Use the Setup command and set Automatically Close on
or off. For more information about Setup, see page 5-112.
Step 2) Start psqr. Press a keypad or menu key, or type
Command: psqr
Step 3) Digitize the two corners by the longest side of the building. Choosing the longest side first helps to
more accurately define the base angle of the building. Then digitize successive corners as follows:
Point 3, <Enter>
Result
Point 2
Point 1
polyline to close.
6 5 Result
Point 8, <Enter>
7 3
4
2
Point 1
c.) After the first three corners have been digitized, U may be entered to undo the last digitized corner.

Psqr

Notes About the Squaring Angle for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d
Psqr squares building sides according to the currently set building squaring angle. The tolerance is entered in the
setup dialog box (see “Setup” on page 5-112).
The building squaring angle units are in decimal degrees. During building squaring, if a building side is less than the
tolerance angle from square with respect to the previous side, then it is adjusted to be perpendicular to the previous
side. The tolerance should be set so the majority of buildings will be squared nicely, while unusually shaped buildings
retain their actual angles. The best tolerance for the drawing may depend on the map scale.
The following diagrams show how the squaring angle works:
Points picked for the first four building corners (incomplete building)
Result of Psqr if the squaring angle is 15° (incomplete building)

Psqr
Result of Psqr if the squaring angle is 6° (incomplete building)
See also: Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d, Psqr3d

Psqr3d
Psqr3d
Purpose: To digitize and perform squaring on buildings and other man-made objects that have sides at right angles to
each other. Psqr3d uses 3D polylines.
The prompts for psqr3d are exactly the same as for psqr. There are two differences between the commands:
• Psqr3d uses a 3D polyline instead of a 2D polyline. Each building vertex obtains the digitizer elevation
at the time it was digitized.
• The Z tolerance and Pitched settings entered in the Setup box apply to opsqr3d and psqr3d. They
enable vertical segments between rooflines that drop to different elevation levels.
To use psqr3d, perform the following steps:
tolerance, Z tolerance, Pitched or Flat, and Automatically Close settings. For more information
about Setup, see page 5-112. For information about the Building squaring tolerance, see “Notes
About the Squaring Angle for Psqr, Psqr3d, Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d” on page 5-102.
Command: psqr3d
Step 3) Digitize the two corners by the longest side of the building. Choosing the longest side first helps to
more accurately define the base angle of the building. Then digitize successive corners as follows:
Point 3, <Enter>
Result
Point 2
Point 1

For buildings with more than four segments, digitize each corner. Press <Enter> to fill in the one
Psqr3d
b.)
polyline to close.
6 5 Result
Point 8, <Enter>
7 3
4
2
Point 1
c.) If digitizing elevation drops (such as where one roof surface drops down to a lower roof surface),
the Pitched setting must be on. Digitize the last corner of one roof, then change the elevation to the
new roof level and digitize the point. If the angle to the Z axis has not exceeded the Z tolerance,
then opsqr3d forces the segment between the two rooflines to be vertical. That is, the X,Y remains
the same as the point on the first roof level, but the Z to set to the elevation of the second roof level.
Pitched is ON, VPOINT is (1,1,0.5)

4
5
3
2
6
(X1,Y1,Z1) 7
8 1
Points 1
9
Forced to (X1,Y1,Z2)
10 Vertical closing segment added
Point 11, <Enter>
d.) After the first three corners have been digitized, U may be entered to undo the last digitized corner.

See also: Opsqr2d, Opsqr3d, and Psqr

Reverse
Reverse
Purpose: Reverse polyline vertex order.
To reverse the vertex order of one or more polylines, use the reverse command:
Command: reverse
Select objects to reverse:
Choose one or more polylines. Direction arrows indicating the original direction appear on each polyline as it is
selected. Press <Enter> to process the selected polylines. The vertices of each polyline will be reversed.
• Any kind of 2D or 3D polyline may be used with this command.
• Arcs may be contained in the polyline.
• SPLINEs may NOT be used.

Road
Road
Purpose: Starting with one road edge polyline, offset a complete set of curb and gutter polylines.
Road edge polyline before road command. After road adds curb and gutter offsets.
(Total 1 polyline.) (Total 8 polylines. Offset distances exaggerated)
To offset a road edge polyline with curb and gutter polylines, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Digitize a polyline along one side of the road.
Step 2) Set the layer for the new polylines.
Step 3) Start the road command:
Command: road
Step 4) Select the polyline that was digitized along one side of the road.
Step 5) Follow the prompts to enter information about the curb and gutter distances:
Select a road side Right/<Left>:
Enter the road width <>:
Enter curb height <>:
Enter curb width <>:
Enter gutter width <>:
The new offset polylines will be drawn in the file.
The Curb command offers more options!
To place the offsets on different layers or to start with a road

center line, use the curb command.
See also: 3doffset, 3doffsetmeasure, Curb

Rr
Rr
Purpose: After the user digitizes one side of a railroad track, rr offsets the opposite rail and inserts railroad tick blocks
at intervals along the track.
• Set the layer for the new objects.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block
rotation angle and select the Planimetric Patterning setting.


If off (not checked), the blocks will be inserted at the polyline Z. On 3D
polylines, the elevation will be interpolated along the polyline segment.
To draw a railroad as a double polyline and insert railroad ticks along it, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Digitize one side of the track with a 2D or 3D polyline.
Step 2) Choose a method of running the rr command:
a.) To complete the track immediately after digitizing the right side, select 2 Line RR Last on a
DAT/EM KEYPAD key or menu item.
b.) Or, enter rr and select one or more rails to pattern and offset.
Command: rr
Choose one or more rail polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object.
Track Width <#>:
Tie Length <#>:
(T)oggle side/(W)idth=#/(L)ength=#/(P)attern=# <Enter>:
The blocks and offset rail appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent until
<Enter> is pressed. Several options may be changed before the blocks are inserted:
• To instantly change the side of the offset and the direction of the blocks, enter T.
• To change track width, enter W and set a new width.
• To change the tie length, enter L and set a new length.
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing factor.
• When the offset and blocks are correct, press <Enter> to accept them.
The file is searched for the block RRTICK. If it doesn't already exist, it is created.
See also: Rr100

Rr100
Rr100
Purpose: After the user digitizes a single polyline down the center of a railroad track, rr100 adds railroad tick blocks at
intervals along the track.
• Use the setup command to verify the Block scale factor and Block
rotation angle and select the Planimetric Patterning setting.


If off (not checked), the blocks will be inserted at the polyline Z. On 3D
polylines, the elevation will be interpolated along the polyline segment.
To insert railroad ticks on a railroad shown as a single polyline down the center of the track, perform the following
steps:
Step 1) Digitize the center of the track with a 2D or 3D polyline.
Step 2) Choose a method to run the rr100 command:
a.) To pattern the track immediately after digitizing the center, select 1 Line RR Last on the DAT/EM
KEYPAD or on a menu item.
b.) Or, enter RR100 and then pick on or more tracks to pattern.
Command: rr100
Choose one or more rail centerline polylines or enter L to select the most recently
digitized object. The computer then prompts:
(B)lock scale=#/(P)attern dist=# <Enter>:
The blocks appear visually along the polyline, but are not permanent objects until
<Enter> is pressed. Several options may be changed before the blocks are actually
inserted:
• To change tick size, enter B and set a new scale.
• To change the block pattern spacing, enter P and set the new spacing factor.
• When the offset and blocks are correct, press <Enter> to accept them.
The file is searched for the block RRTICK100. If it doesn't already exist, it is created.
See also: Rr

SetObjectZ
SetObjectZ
Purpose: To change the elevation of an object. For objects that have multiple vertices at varying elevations, it offsets
each vertex by the elevation difference (instead of flattening all elevations to the same value).
The SetObjectZ command accepts most object types as input.

Step 1) If using the system mouse to digitize, use AutoCAD’s elev command to set the desired elevation.
Command: setobjectz
Please measure object at its new elevation/Undo:
Step 3) If using the stereoplotter to digitize, set the stereoplotter’s floating mark to the desired elevation.
Step 4) Position the cursor over an object and digitize. Repeat as desired.
Step 5) To undo the last change, enter Undo or _u. Undo may be used multiple times until the first change
of the current command session has been undone.
Step 6) To exit the command prompt, press the <Enter> key or the spacebar.

SetPointBlockZ
SetPointBlockZ
SetBlockZ, SetPointZ
Purpose: To quickly edit the elevation of a point or block. Assign the stereoplotter elevation if the stereoplotter is used,
or assign AutoCAD’s elev setting if the system mouse is used.
The SetPointBlockZ command accepts both points and blocks as input. The SetBlockZ command accepts only
blocks, and the SetPointZ command accepts only points.
For elevation-only changes, these commands are faster to use than AutoCAD’s move and change commands.

Step 1) If using the system mouse to digitize, use AutoCAD’s elev command to set the desired elevation.
Step 2) Enter the desired command: SetPointBlockZ to change any combination of blocks and points,
SetBlockZ to change blocks only, or SetPointZ to change points only.
Command: setpointblockz
Please measure object at its new elevation/Undo:
Step 3) If using the stereoplotter to digitize, set the stereoplotter’s floating mark to the desired elevation.
Step 4) Position the cursor over the point or the block’s graphics and digitize.
Step 5) Repeat setting the elevation and digitizing more points and/or blocks.
Step 6) To undo the last change, enter Undo or _u. Undo may be used multiple times until the first change
of the current command session has been undone.
Step 7) To exit the command prompt, press the <Enter> key or the spacebar.

Setup
Setup
Purpose: To change the settings listed in the DAT/EM capture parameters dialog box.
The DAT/EM Mapping Parameters dialog box should be activated as soon as AutoCAD is started. To activate the
dialog box, use the setup command.
Command: setup
The settings in this box are as follows:
Scale The output plotting scale of the map. It is the “x” represented in the
English scale 1”=x’ or the Metric (ratio) scale 1:x.
Units The choices are English units (for a scale of 1 inch = x feet) or Metric
(for a ratio scale, 1:x). If using any kind of ratio scale, even if it is not
called “metric,” set this box to Metric.
Beep on pick Check on this setting to have the computer beep each time a point is
digitized.
Block rotation Blocks will be rotated by this angle as they are inserted. This is a
angle counterclockwise angle in decimal degrees.
Block scale factor As they are inserted, blocks will be scaled by this factor times the map
scale.
Text scale factor As text is inserted, it will be scaled by this factor times the map scale.

Setup
Prompt for Block When checked on, this setting causes block insertion commands such as
Tag Info INS to prompt for block tags to be entered. Prompts appear only for
blocks that have block tag attributes in their definition. When checked
off, all blocks are inserted without block tag attributes.
Pattern distance On patterning commands such as fence and grail, the default patterning
factor distance shown will be this factor times the map scale.
Planimetric This setting affects block elevation for patterning commands such as
patterning brush, dep, fence, grail, lpat, rr, rr100, slopetick, and wallfence.

If on (checked), all the blocks will be
inserted as follows:
•For 2D polylines: at the polyline’s Z
•For 3D polylines: at Z=0 and evenly
spaced in the (X,Y) plane.
If off (not checked), the blocks will be
inserted at the polyline Z. On 3D polylines,
the elevation will be interpolated along the
polyline segment.
Building squaring, This is the limit for the angle in the X,Y plane for the psqr, psqr3d,
max(degrees) opsqr2d, opsqr3d commands. The units are in decimal degrees. For
details, see “Psqr” on page 5-101.
Z Tolerance, This is the angle in the X,Z plane for the psqr3d and opsqr3d
max(degrees) commands. It allows two roof levels to be connected by a vertical
segment. If two points are digitized and their angle to the Z axis does
not exceed the Z tolerance, then the points are connected by a vertical
segment. The units are in decimal degrees.
Pitched or Flat If pitched is on, psqr3d and opsqr3d will allow a vertical closing
segment to be added between two roof levels. If flat is on, the closing
segment will be between the last digitized point and the first point, and
may have different X,Y, and Z values on each end (not necessarily
vertical).
Automatically If Automatically Close is on, then the psqr, psqr3d, opsqr2d,

Close opsqr3d commands will add a closing segment when they are finished.
If this setting is off, the polyline remains open. The “open” option may
be useful for digitizing man-made objects that have square corners, but
that are not buildings.

Setup
Contour Interval The elevation contour interval. This will be used by capt2d to round the
elevations of elevation contours. It will also be used on analytical or
digital stereoplotters for moving up and down in elevation by the
contour interval distance. See “Capt2d” on page 5-28, “Contourdown”
on page 5-37, and “Contourup” on page 5-38.
Curvature angle, This value sets the angle limit for digitizing a point in stream mode with
minimum (degrees) capt2d and capt3d. For information on these commands, see “Capt2d”
on page 5-28 and “Capt3d” on page 5-30. This angle is in decimal
degrees.
XY distance, % of This value sets the maximum XY distance limit for digitizing a point in
Map Scale stream mode with capt2d and capt3d. For information on these
commands, see “Capt2d” on page 5-28 and “Capt3d” on page 5-30.
Z distance, % of This value sets the minimum Z distance limit for digitizing a point in
Map Scale stream mode with capt2d and capt3d. For information on these
commands, see “Capt2d” on page 5-28 and “Capt3d” on page 5-30.
Reset Call up the original DAT/EM CAPTURE-supplied default settings for

this dialog box.
Load Load a different file containing settings.
Save Save a file containing the current settings.

Shift
Shift
Purpose: To move all the objects in the file by an (X,Y,Z) shift.
The shift command moves all the objects in the file.
To activate the command, enter shift,
Command: shift
If desired, select Measure to

select the shift with the digitizer.
Either enter the coordinate shift values in the dialog box or select Measure to select the shift with the digitizer. If
Measure is selected, follow the prompts to digitize the shift:
Command: measure
Pick initial point
Pick offset from initial point
After digitizing the two points, the dialog box will return showing the selected values.
To accept the shift, select OK.

Shot
Shot
Purpose: To set the digitizing mode to work with the ins command to repeatedly insert blocks or points. If using blocks,
they will either be inserted at the currently set angles and scales from the setup dialog box, or the scale and/or
rotation angle will be digitized.
The “ins” command may be used instead of “shot”

(see “Ins” on page 5-72)
The ins, inssetup, and -inssetup commands now contain all the functionality of
the shot command. Additionally, inssetup allows the block layer to be set
independently from the current AutoCAD layer.
Shot is still available because it is called from many existing keypad files.
When shot is used, the settings are transferred directly into inssetup.
The shot command activates a special mode for inserting blocks or points. When a shot mode is set and a block name
is entered with the ins command, blocks may be inserted with every one or two hits to the digitizing switch. An
option allows points to be inserted instead.

Step 1) Activate the command. Select one of the symbol insertion keys from the keypad, or enter the shot
command,
Command: shot
(O)ne/Rotate/Scale/All/Point:
Step 2) Choose an option:

a.) Enter the letter O to insert a block each time the digitizing switch is pressed.
b.) Enter R to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick will be the
insertion point, and the second pick defines the block rotation angle.
c.) Enter S to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick will be the
insertion point, and the second pick defines the block scale factor.
d.) Enter A to insert a block after pressing the digitizing switch twice. The first pick will be the
insertion point, and the second pick defines both the rotation angle and the block scale factor.
e.) Enter P to insert a point instead of a block.
Step 3) Use the ins command to insert the blocks or points. See “Ins” on page 5-72.
For more information using the shot command, see “Digitizing Blocks with DAT/EM CAPTURE” on page 3-4.

Si
Si
Purpose: Activates the AutoCAD-specific SUPER/IMPOSITION options.
The si command activates the AutoCAD-specific SUPER/IMPOSITION (S/I) options. The si(version).arx application
must be loaded in AutoCAD in order for the si family of commands to work.
To use the si command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Select a SUPER/IMPOSITION keypad or menu item or enter the si command,
Command: si
<Settings,Update,ON,OFF]:
Step 2) Choose a command option as follows:
Option Command Purpose
OFF Turn off the S/I display (also available from SUMMIT EVOLUTION). This
command string may be used on the DAT/EM KEYPAD.
ON Turn on the S/I display (If using SUMMIT EVOLUTION, S/I must also be turned
on in SUMMIT EVOLUTION). This command string may be used on the
DAT/EM KEYPAD.
Settings Activates the Datem SI Settings dialog box:

Hint: Hover the mouse
cursor over dialog box item
to see helpful tooltips.
Clip Si sets limits to the Super/Imposition

(S/I) display area. It is useful to speed up
the S/I refresh rate for large drawings that
have many objects outside the current area
of interest.
Use the Select a region for clipping
SI objects button to pick an area using
the stereoplotter. The rectangle may
be inside one model or it may extend
over more than one model.
Use the Set SI Clip region to model
extents button to automatically set the
bounding rectangle to the extents of
the current model’s images.
Select Apply to activate
Select Apply to activate any new Clip Si any new settings.
settings.
Update Refresh the S/I graphics.

Slopetick
Slopetick
Purpose: To insert slope tick block symbols along retaining wall polylines.


segment.
To insert slope ticks on the most recently drawn 2D or 3D polyline, choose Slope Tick on the keypad overlay or menu
diagram or enter the slopetick command:
Command: slopetick
Choose one or more 2D or 3D slope polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The computer
then prompts:

The file is searched for the block called SLOPETICKR or SLOPETICKL. If the block does not already exist, it is
created. Then the block is inserted at intervals along each selected polyline.

Spotx and Spotxset
Spotx and Spotxset

Purpose: Use spotxset or -spotxset to make settings, then use spotx to insert spot elevation blocks and text.
To make settings and insert spot elevations, perform the following steps:
Step 1) (For the first use or to change settings) Use either spotxset or -spotxset to make settings. Spotxset
asks for detailed settings in a dialog box:
Command: spotxset
• Horizontal Offset is the text’s offset

distance in X from the cursor/block Precision determines the
position. number of decimal places in
• Vertical Offset is the text’s offset distance the text.
in Y from the cursor/block position. For example, if the elevation
• These two settings are ignored if the is 123.456123 when the
Insertion Point type is set to At text spot elevation is digitized,
Decimal Point. then Precision set to 1
places 123.5, but Precision
set to 3 places 123.456.
If the stereoplotter elevation is
100.17:
Shift Z to nearest is
• Round uses 100.2;
for a special case that:
• Truncate uses 100.1.
• Places spot
elevations only at
certain Z intervals;
If Insert Block is on, a block is placed
For example, if set
at the spot elevation coordinate.
to 0.25, spot
elevations are
At Block example:
placed at 100.00,
100.25, 100.50,
cursor location
100.75, and so on.
At Text Decimal Point example: • Moves the
stereoplotter Z to
• The accuracy of the decimal
the spotx elevation
location depends on the font
that was used;
ca or
n
used.
lo urs
tio
c
• If you need to change the spot

elevations’ font later, test the
font to be sure the decimal point stays at the
same XY coordinate.
The -spotxset command allows some of the spot elevation settings to be made without the
dialog box:
Command: -spotxset
Precision/Block/Rotation/Nearest:
Enter P to set the number of decimal places; enter B to set the name of the block; enter R to set
the rotation angle for the text and block; enter N to set Shift Z to nearest. For any other
setting, use the spotxset dialog box.

Place spot elevations with the spotx command:

Spotx and Spotxset
Step 2)
Command: spotx
Insert point:
Step 3) Position the stereoplotter’s floating mark on the ground at the

desired location. Digitize the point to place the spot elevation.
Step 4) Repeat Step 3 to position and digitize more spot elevations.
Step 5) When finished, press <Enter> at the “Insert point” prompt to
end the command.

Square
Square
Purpose: Squares the sides of existing polyline objects. Especially useful for existing buildings.
The square command squares the sides of an existing polyline object. It is especially useful for man-made objects
such as buildings.
square
Existing polyline object Squared polyline
To use the square command, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Start the square command:
Command: square
XY Tolerance angle (20.0) degrees 0..45/<Enter>:
Step 2) Enter a new building squaring tolerance angle or press <Enter> to accept the default value. For
example, to set the tolerance angle to 25 degrees,
XY Tolerance angle (20.0) degrees 0..45/<Enter>: 25
XY Tolerance set to: 25
Select objects to square
Step 3) To the “Select objects to square” prompt, select one or more existing polyline objects such as
buildings. When finished selecting objects, press <Enter>. All of the objects will be squared
according to the XY tolerance angle.
Square squares building sides according to the currently set XY Tolerance angle. This tolerance angle works in the
same way as the angle used in Psqr. For more information about the tolerance angle, see page 5-102.

Stairs
Stairs
Purpose: To draw stairways with options for elevation, landings, and aligning to buildings.
To automatically draw a stairway, activate the stairs dialog box:
Command: stairs
• Attached 2D attaches the stairway at right angles to a previously digitized building (or to a straight
segment of any polyline or line). The stairway is drawn with 2D polylines at the elevation of the first
selected point.
• Attached 3D is the same as Attached 2D, except it uses 3D polylines, interpolating elevations based on
the two selected corner points.
Point 3:
Point 1:
Tread width (may be digitized
Stairs corner on building line
or typed in ground units)
Point 2:
Diagonal stair corner
Points digitized with Stairs Attached 2D and Stairs Attached 3D

•
Stairs
Free 2D draws a free-standing stairway using 2D polylines.
• Free 3D draws a free-standing stairway using 3D polylines.
Point 3:
Direction of the first stair
Point 1:
First stair corner
Point 4:
Point 2:
Points digitized with Stairs Free 2D and Stairs Free 3D
• Landing 2D draws a stairway and landing attached at right angles to a building (or to a straight segment
of any polyline or line).
• Landing 3D is the same as Landing 2D, except is uses 3D polylines, interpolating elevations based on
the two selected corner points.
Point 1:
Stairs corner on building line Point 3:
Point 4:
Point on the first landing tread
(Select a point near the edge of the
landing away from the building) Point 2:
Points digitized with Stairs Landing 2D and Stairs Landing 3D

Unrotatescreen
Unrotatescreen
Purpose: To remove the rotation caused earlier by the Datemrotate command.
The unrotatescreen command removes the rotation caused when the datemrotate command was used:
Command: unrotatescreen
The drawing regenerates and the rotation is set back to zero.

Wallfence
Wallfence
Purpose: To insert wall tick and fence tick blocks alternately along 2D or 3D polylines.


segment.
To insert wall and fence ticks alternately on the most recently drawn 2D or 3D polyline, choose Wall Fence on the
keypad overlay or menu diagram. Or enter the wallfence command:
Command: wallfence
Choose one or more 2D or 3D slope polylines or enter L to select the most recently digitized object. The computer
then prompts:

The file is searched for the block called WALLTICKR, WALLTICKL or FENCTICK. If the blocks do not already
exist, they are created. Then the blocks are inserted at intervals along each selected polyline.

Xsect
Xsect
Purpose: To create a cross section project and collect (X,Y,Z) data along the cross sections.
The xsect command creates cross sections along a road center line, then allows the user to collect coordinates along
the cross sections. On analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities, the stereoplotter is driven
automatically to the sampling locations.
To create a cross section project, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Draw a polyline along the center of the road or along the project edge. The polyline does not need
to run exactly along the center of a feature, but it will always be referred to as the center line in this
text. The polyline may contain arc segments.
Sample center line with polyline containing arcs.
Step 2) Start the command and select c for Create. A dialog box appears asking for project values.
Command: xsect
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: c
Enter a project name or browse

for an existing project.
Enter project
specifications
Select OK to continue
Step 3) After filling out the project values and selecting OK, a prompt appears in the AutoCAD command
window:
Select the center line polyline.

After selecting the center line, the xsect menu reappears. A file now exists that contains the
Xsect
Step 4)
calculated cross section locations. The next step is to import the cross sections graphically. Select i
to Import the cross sections.
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: i
Select the project to import and the layer to contain the cross sections and their labels.
Sample center line with cross sections imported.
When OK is selected, the cross sections are inserted into the drawing.
Step 5) After importing the cross sections, the xsect menu returns. If desired, add break lines using Add:
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: a
Fill out information that will apply

only to the new break line.
When OK accepts the box, follow the prompts to select the center
Break lines added.
line and specify the insertion point on the center line:

Select insertion point on the polyline:
The new cross sections are added to both the project file and the
drawing file.

If desired, delete any unwanted cross section lines using Delete:

Xsect
Step 6)
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: d
Select the project name.
When OK accepts the box, follow the prompts to select Cross sections deleted.
the center line and specify one or more cross sections to
be deleted:

Select cross sections to be deleted:
Notice the text from the cross sections remains in the

drawing file. Erase the text if desired. It is not a part of the
project file, and it will not appear if the project is
re-inserted.
Step 7) If desired, edit any cross section lines using Edit:

Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: e
Enter information that

will apply only to the
selected cross section.
When OK accepts the box, follow the prompts to select Cross section edited.
the center line and specify the cross section to be edited:

Select section to be edited:
Select the cross section. The changes take place in both

the project file and the drawing file.

When the project file contains all the necessary cross sections, coordinate data may be digitized
Xsect
Step 8)
using the cross section mode, Xsectmode:
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: x
• Check elevation works with Xsect Z

interval to alert the user if the elevation
has changed too much since the last
digitized point.
• Check X,Y distance works with Xsect
XY interval to alert the user if the X,Y
position has changed too much since
the last digitized point.
• These alerts help the user digitize
enough points and prevent “wild points”
digitized by accident with the mouse.
Select movement and

digitizing preferences.
• Incremental movement mode causes the analytical or digital

stereoplotter to move by increments equal to the Xsect increment.
• Manual movement mode must be set for analog stereoplotters or any
stereoplotter that doesn’t have computer-driven move capabilities.
• Lock movement mode will be highlighted if the stereoplotter is
capable of axis-locked movement. The stereoplotter will only be able to
move along the axis of the current cross section. Points are digitized
anywhere along that cross section.
When OK accepts the settings box, the starting cross section may need to be selected, then the
cross section mode prompt appears:
Skip/Back increment/Undo/skip Xsection/Finish (S/B/U/X/F) <pick>:
When a point is digitized, the specified block and text will be inserted.
To remove the most recently digitized point and move back to that location, use the Undo
option.
On analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities, use Skip, Back, and skip
Xsection to skip the current increment point, move back to the last increment or cross section,
and skip forward to the next cross section.
When finished digitizing, use the Finish option.

Xsect
Sample of one cross section digitized
Step 9) To resume digitizing after an interruption, start the command again and make sure Sample from
beginning is turned off.
Command: xsect
Create/Import/Add/Delete/Edit/Xsectmode/Quit: x
To resume digitizing on a
selected cross section, turn
off Sample from beginning.
Step 10) To output the data to an ASCII file, use the xyzout command shown on page 5-133.

Xyzin
Xyzin
Purpose: To import objects from coordinates in an ASCII text file.
The xyzin command inputs coordinate and object information as objects into an AutoCAD drawing file. To use the
command, perform the following steps:
Step 1) Prepare an input file. The minimum requirements for this file are that it has X and Y coordinate
components. It can be a simple list of coordinates such as:
-478.206 42.303 471.650
-337.664 43.649 527.920
-440.722 -62.040 470.010
Or it can have comments and object information fields such as block names, line start and end
markers, or even fields that will be ignored, such as:
1 POLYLINE 76346.209 -115157.149 187.060 BOUNDARY

;This is a comment line. Ignore this line.
2 POLYLINE 76605.172 -115936.256 188.451 BUILDING
4 BLOCK 76534.276 -116704.989 188.788 MISC-OBJECT
7 POINT 77022.278 -116706.041 188.788 MASSPOINTS
8 POINT 76449.207 -116265.696 188.788 MASSPOINTS
Step 2) If a boundary layer will be used, prepare one or more closed polylines on that layer. If this option is
used, objects will be imported only they lie wholly or partially inside a boundary polyline. If they
lie completely outside all boundary polylines, they will be ignored.
Step 3) Start the xyzin command and specify the input file:
Command: xyzin
Step 4) Make settings in the dialog box.
• The Load button retrieves any previously saved settings.
• The Reset button clears all settings.
• The Save button saves the current settings, which may then be retrieved later by Load.

Xyzin
Enter the input file name or select

Browse to help locate the file.
Select the object types to be inserted. The settings needed

depend on the Line Format choices.
• The Type Identifier field is only active when Object
type is placed in Selected Fields below. Enter the
exact object identification text as it appears in the ASCII
file.
• The Layer fields are only active when Layer is not
placed in Selected Fields below. This means that the
layer will not be read from the input file, so you may
choose the target layer for each checked object type.
• Block Name is only active when Block name is not
specified in Selected Fields below. This means that the
block name will not be read from the input file, so you
may choose the target block.
If the ASCII file contains object type identifiers, layers,
and/or block names, you may either use them from the file
or override them using Skip in Selected Fields below. For
example, if the input file contains POINTs, you may insert
blocks instead by Skipping the word POINT in the file and
checking only Block in Object Types. The coordinates
are then forced to be inserted as the block you specify.
If desired, use Load to retrieve previously saved settings
If the file has comments embedded in it, then

check on Comment indicator and enter the
characters that indicate a comment line.
Set delimiter to the character(s)

that separate fields in the input file.
Highlight each field that exists in the input file, then click
on the >> button to add it to the Selected Fields list. Or,
highlight a field in the Selected Fields list and click on
<< to remove it from the list.
• To ignore a field, add Skip to Selected Fields.
• Skip may also be used to override object type
identifiers, layers, and/or block names that exist in the
file, but that you don’t want to use. If any of these are
skipped, you may specify the override values in the
Type Id, Layer, and/or Block Name fields above.
Sort the Selected Fields list to match the field order

of the input file. Highlight a field and click on the Up
or Down button to move it into the correct order.
To import only those coordinates that are inside closed Select OK to run
(Optional) Select Save to
polylines, check on Boundary Layer and set its Layer. Closed the command.
save the settings for later
boundary polyline(s) should already exist (see Step 2 above).
use by the Load button.
Step 5) Select OK to run the command and import the objects.

Xyzout
Xyzout
Purpose: To export objects to an ASCII output file.
The xyzout command exports coordinate and object information from an AutoCAD drawing file to an ASCII text
file. To use the command, perform the following steps:
Step 1) If objects will be exported if they are completely or partially inside a boundary, prepare one or more
closed polyline boundaries on a unique layer.
Step 2) Start the xyzout command:
Command: xyzout
Step 3) Make settings in the dialog box.
• The Load button retrieves any previously saved settings.
• The Reset button clears all settings.
• The Save button saves the current settings, which may then be retrieved later by Load.
Choose a method of selecting objects to export:

• Check on Layers to export only objects on selected
layers. Use the All>>, >>, <<, and <<All buttons to
list the desired layers in the Selected Layers list.
• Or, check on Search inside closed polylines on
layer to export objects that are completely or
partially inside a closed boundary polyline. Set the
layer of the boundary polyline(s).
• Or, check on Select objects interactively to select
objects yourself. Note that this setting overrides any
layer, search, or object type settings; everything you
select will be exported.
Check on object types to export. If an object type in not

checked, it will not be exported, even if it is on a
selected layer and/or inside a boundary polyline.
Exception: If Select objects interactively is on, all
objects that you select will be exported, even if they do
not meet the layer, search, or object type requirements.
Specify a File Format. Use the >> and << buttons to

move the desired fields into the Selected Fields list.
Click on fields and use the Up and Down buttons to
sort the fields into the desired output order.
Set the Decimal Precision values to

Set the Column Delimiter to the character(s) that the number of decimal places to
should appear between fields in the output file. export for the coordinate components.
Step 4) Select OK to run the command. If Select objects interactively is checked on, a prompt will appear
to select objects in the AutoCAD drawing (note that all selected objects will be exported, even if
they do not meet the layer, search, or object type requirements). A prompt appears to select an
output file name.

Zcheck
Zcheck
Purpose: To mark the point of intersection and the elevation difference between polylines where they intersect in the
(X,Y) plane.
The zcheck command gives information about points where polylines intersect in the (X,Y) plane. It is most useful
for making sure elevation contours do not cross each other. Zcheck works with any combination of 2d, lightweight,
and 3d polylines. To activate the dialog box, enter the zcheck command:
Command: zcheck
Z Tolerance:
• To mark all (X,Y) intersections, use a Z
tolerance of 0 (zero) or less.
• (X,Y) intersections will be marked only if
the Z difference between the polylines is
greater than or equal to the Z tolerance.
• For example, if z tolerance is 10, only
(X,Y) intersections with an elevation
difference 10 or greater will be marked.
Scale is multiplied
times the map scale
(Setup) to produce the
If on, text will be inserted showing the
block and text size.
elevation difference at the point of
(X,Y) intersection. It is not the
elevation of the block or polylines.
Make selections in the dialog box and choose the OK button. The specified block will be inserted at each (X,Y)
intersection that matches the layer and elevation difference criteria. Text showing the elevation difference (not the
block or polyline elevation) will be inserted next to the block
The acad.dwt template drawing supplied with DAT/EM CAPTURE contains a block called LEADER.
This block is an arrow designed to use with zcheck. This block, or any block, may be used to mark
intersections.

Zmove
Zmove
Purpose: (Analytical or digital stereoplotters with move capabilities only) Move the analytical or digital
stereoplotter to a user-specified elevation.
The zmove command directs the analytical or digital stereoplotter to move to a specified elevation. The stereoplotter
must have computer-directed move abilities.
To activate zmove, choose the keypad or menu item, or enter,
Command: zmove
Move to elevation <default>:
Enter the elevation at the prompt. The analytical or digital stereoplotter immediately drives to the new elevation, but
stays in the same X,Y location.
See also: Contourdown, Contourup, Datmove, Movebypick


Chapter 6. CAPTURE CONTOUR 6
Chapter 6. CAPTURE CONTOUR
DAT/EM’s DAT/EM CAPTURE SCOP Interface + INPHO’s SCOP Library = Contour generation within AutoCAD
Contour generation with DAT/EM CAPTURE can be accomplished using the CAPTURE CONTOUR™ package, which
uses the SCOP library software by INPHO GmbH. INPHO is one of DAT/EM’s GeoToolBox partners. To purchase
CAPTURE CONTOUR, contact DAT/EM or INPHO. Each of the GeoToolBox companies may be accessed from the web
at www.geotoolbox.com. Specific information about INPHO products may be viewed from www.inpho.de.
Activate the Contour Pull-Down Menu

If the Contour pull-down menu does not already appear in AutoCAD®, then add it now. Follow the instructions
given in “Activate the DAT/EM Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous Versions” starting on page 3-4 or
“Activate the DAT/EM Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher” starting on page 3-11.
Verify that the Contour pull-down menu appears in AutoCAD.
Expected Result:
The Contour pull-down
menu appears in AutoCAD.
Export Morphological Data for MATCH-T

The morphexporter command exports AutoCAD morphological data objects such as break lines, form lines, and
exclusion polygons into the binary INPHO MATCH-T .wnp file format. MATCH-T generates DTM points that may
be used as input for CAPTURE CONTOUR. See “Morphexporter” on page 5-89.

6 CAPTURE CONTOUR
Generate Contours
To generate contours using CAPTURE CONTOUR, perform the following steps:
Step 1) If it has not already been installed, install the SCOP contour generation library by INPHO GmbH.
The SCOP hardware lock (hardware key) must be present in order for CAPTURE CONTOUR to work.
Refer to the installation instructions that are supplied with the SCOP library.
Step 2) Select Load CaptureContour from the Contour pull-down menu to load the
CaptureContour(version).arx application. Note that this may not be necessary if the application
is being loaded by acad.rx (page 3-17) or by the Startup Suite (page 3-18).
Select Load CaptureContour

from the Contour menu.
Step 3) Prepare input for the contour interpolation. There must be existing XYZ data from one or more of
the following sources:
a.) 3D AutoCAD objects such as DTM grid points, mass points, break lines, or other densely
distributed, accurate XYZ data, or
b.) MATCH-T .xyz mass points file generated by INPHO’s MATCH-T software, or
c.) MATCH-T .xyz mass points file generated by a previous run of the CAPTURE CONTOUR dialog
box with the Export DTM option on.
In addition, there may be 2D or 3D morphological objects such as,
d.) (Optional) 2D and 3D boundary or exclusion area polygons and 3D spot heights.
Step 4) If using a MATCH-T file as input for CAPTURE CONTOUR, then use the matchxyz command to
import the MATCH-T points as objects into the AutoCAD drawing. Start the command with either
the matchxyz key-in or select Import Match-T from the Contour pull-down menu.
Command: matchxyz
Make settings in the Import Match-T Data dialog box and select OK to import the data into
AutoCAD:
Browse for and select the .dem.xyz file.
The .dem.xyz file contains a list of point coordinates

followed by several status bits. The Point Layers
area allows the points with low redundancy, bad
height, exclusion area, near breakline, and OK status
to be separated onto different layers.
To prepare point layers, use the Launch

AutoCAD’s Layer Manager button.

CAPTURE CONTOUR 6
Sample mass points imported

from a MATCH-T results file.
Now the AutoCAD drawing should contain a dense distribution of XYZ data objects within the area where contours
are to be generated. There may also be boundaries, exclusion areas, and spot heights.
Step 5) Start the contour command. Either enter the contour key-in or select Generate Contours from the
Contour pull-down menu.
Command: contour
Select Generate Contours

from the Contour menu.
There will be a pause as the software checks for the Inpho SCOP hardware lock. If it is not
found, the top of the Capture Contour dialog box will show “Lock Not Found.” In this case,
cancel the Capture Contour dialog and attach or troubleshoot the hardware lock.
If “Lock Not Found” is shown:

• Cancel the Capture Contour dialog.
• Attach the SCOP hardware lock or
troubleshoot hardware lock problems.
• Run contour again.
Continue only if the hardware lock search is successful.

6 CAPTURE CONTOUR
Step 6) Start to make settings in the DAT/EM & Inpho’s Capture Contour dialog box. Choose whether
input will come from entities on layers in the AutoCAD file or from a MATCH-T binary file:
There are two methods to choose input for CAPTURE CONTOUR: Either set Input
layers or set a MATCH-T binary file name in Import DTM. The Import DTM field
must be blank (or showing “Do not import DTM file”) in order to select Input layers.
To use existing entities on AutoCAD layers:
• Click where it says “Click to Select” or click on an existing list of layers.
• Select one or more layers from each list. (Note that these layers should already
exist and there should already be objects on these layers.) If there is no input for
that type, do not select any layers for that column.
• Repeat for each input type column.
There are two methods to choose input for CAPTURE

CONTOUR: Either set Input layers or set a MATCH-T
binary file name in Import DTM.
To use a MATCH-T binary file:
• Use the Import DTM browse button to select a
MATCH-T binary mass points file.
• The file may have been created earlier by either
INPHO’s MATCH-T software or by an earlier run of
CAPTURE CONTOUR with the Export DTM option on.

CAPTURE CONTOUR 6
Continue to make settings in the Capture Contour dialog box:

Select a contour interval for the
resulting interpolated contours.
(Required) Select a contour Layer: The interval is in ground units.
• This is the intermediate contour layer if
an index contour layer is selected below.
• All contours will be on this layer if an
index contour layer is not selected.
The Minimum Contour Area setting tests the area of closed

contours (tops and depressions).
• If the area of a closed contour is smaller than Minimum
Contour Area, then it does not insert that contour.
• This prevents “tiny circles” from cluttering the contour set.
• To disable this setting and insert all contours, set to 0.0 (zero).
(Optional) Select an index contour Layer:

• Select “No index contours” from the top of the list if index
contours will not be used.
• To use index contours, select a layer and an index contour
Interval. The Interval should be an even multiple of the
Interval above in the Contours area.
To erase contours on a layer other than
• For example, if Contours Interval is 5.00 and Index the currently set contours and index
Contours Interval is 25.00, then intermediate contours will contours layers, set an Existing
be placed at 95.0, 105.0, 110.0, 115.0, 120.0, and 130.0, Contours layer before using the Erase
while index contours will be placed at 100.0 and 125.0. Existing Contours button.
• To disable this setting, select the
“(Delete existing contours)” message
from the top of the layer list.
• This layer is used only by the Erase
Existing Contours button.

6 CAPTURE CONTOUR
Continue to make settings in the Capture Contour dialog box:
Contour may be generated based on a TIN

(triangulated network) or from a grid.
• If TIN is selected, choose an Optimize setting.
• If Optimize is on, contours will be less jagged,
but processing time will increase. (TIN files are
not saved for use with other applications.)
If Grid method is selected, set a Grid

Size.
• If using a MATCH-T-generated input
points, enter the grid size or half the
grid size that was used when running
MATCH-T.
• If using a DTM grid digitized directly in
AutoCAD, enter the distance between
Select a Smoothing setting for the resulting

interpolated contours. The smoothest
setting takes the longest to process.
If Export DTM is selected, all points

currently in the AutoCAD file will be
exported to an INPHO MATCH-T binary
file. (This file may be used in a later run of
CAPTURE CONTOUR or by INPHO software.
Step 7) Select OK to run the contour generation.

When OK is selected from the dialog box, the settings are used to send information to the SCOP library, which
creates elevation contours. The contours are then imported into the AutoCAD file.
Step 8) View the resulting contours. If the contours seem incorrect in an area, then there may be mistakes or
missing data in the mass points or morphological objects. In this case, improve the input data using
any of the following methods:
• Use DTMedit (page 5-55) to edit points or morphological data;
• Add points. Note that if mass points have been added or edited, it may be useful to check
on the Export DTM option on the Capture Contour dialog box.
• Add morphological data
• Edit morphological data

After editing the input data, run contour again. Use the Erase existing contours button to
remove the old contours before generating the new ones.
Step 9) Repeat the review, edit, and run steps until the contours are acceptable.

Chapter 7. Troubleshooting 7
Chapter 7. Troubleshooting
This chapter shows the most common problems encountered with DAT/EM CAPTURE™ and suggestions for solving
them.
Problems During Startup
Symptom Suggestion
When DAT/EM software is run, one or more Either the hardware lock is not installed properly, the hardware
hardware lock messages appear: lock software driver was not installed, the hardware lock was
not present in the port when DAT/EM software was updated, or
the hardware lock is defective.
1. Follow the hardware lock installation instructions in
the Summit Evolution Operation Manual or the
DAT/EM installation supplement.
2. Check for a bad connection.
Contact DAT/EM support.
Cursor control will not transfer to the The DAT/EM application has not been loaded in AutoCAD.
stereoplotter, and DAT/EM CAPTURE Select the “Load Capture” icon from the toolbar menus or
commands are “unknown.” For example, select Capture and Load Capture from the Datem pull-down
menu.
Command: movebypick
Unknown command "movebypick".
Press F1 for help.

7 Troubleshooting
AutoCAD Menus
Symptom Suggestion
There is no DAT/EM pull-down menu in AutoCAD. The Datem(version).mnu file is not configured
correctly in AutoCAD. See “Activate the DAT/EM
Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous
Versions” on page 2-4 or “Activate the DAT/EM
Menus - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher Versions” on
page 2-8.
The Datem or DatemLite

menu is missing
There is a Datem or DatemLite pull-down menu, but there The toolbar menus are not configured. See “Turn
are no DAT/EM toolbar menus. on DAT/EM Toolbars - AutoCAD 2005 and
Previous Versions” on page 2-7 or “Activate the
DAT/EM Menus - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher
Versions” on page 2-8.
The toolbar menus are there, but they all look like question The \program Files\AutoCAD
marks. (version)\Datem\bmp folder is not referenced
correctly, or was not referenced correctly at the
time the menu was compiled. Set the Support File
Search Path using the instructions in “Set the
Support File Search Path and Pointing Device” on
page 2-2. Then reload and recompile the menu file
using the instructions in “Activate the DAT/EM
Menu Group(s) - AutoCAD 2005 and Previous
Versions” on page 2-4 or “Activate the DAT/EM
Menus - AutoCAD 2006 and Higher Versions” on
page 2-8.

Troubleshooting 7
Buttons and Switches
Symptom Suggestion
A stereoplotter button or switch is pressed, but either The buttons and switches may not be set at all or
nothing happens or the wrong thing happens. (The plotter they have been set to undesired functions.
client is running and the DAT/EM application was loaded in
1. Use the Buttons command to view the
the CAD software.)
button settings. See “Buttons” on page
5-27.
2. Change the settings if necessary.
A button or switch is pressed, but nothing happens. The Button status is shown by the plotter client. With
switch settings are verified to be correct using the Buttons the plotter client running, press the switch. If the
command. plotter client does not show that the switch has
been activated, then there may be a hardware
problem. Contact DAT/EM support.

7 Troubleshooting

Appendix A. DAT/EM Technical Support A
Appendix A. DAT/EM Technical Support
For questions concerning this product, contact DAT/EM’s Support Department. You may be asked to purchase a
software support agreement before support services are received.
DAT/EM Systems International

8240 Sandlewood Place, Suite 101
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
USA
Phone: (907) 522-3681
Fax: (907) 522-3688
E-mail: support@datem.com
General information is available on DAT/EM’s website at www.datem.com.
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD A-1

A DAT/EM Technical Support
A-2 DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Index
Index
Numerics AutoCAD
2D acad.rx file
2D polylines. See polylines deactivating 2-12, 2-13 to 2-14
arcs 5-15 to 5-16 editing 2-11 to 2-12
digitizer mouse 3-1 loading files from 2-11 to 2-12
elevation contours 5-28 configuration Chapter 2
3D layers 3-7
3D polylines. See polylines Startup Suite 2-12 to 2-13
arcs, simulated 5-13 to 5-14, 5-17 to 5-19 support file path setup 2-2
digitizer 3-1 useful commands 3-7
offsets 5-11, 5-12, 5-41 autolist 5-20
3doffset 5-11 autolist(version).arx
3doffsetmeasure 5-12 command instructions 5-20
loaded by acad.rx 2-11
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13
A
acad.dwt 4-1 B
acad.rx
base line angle for labelit 5-81
deactivating 2-12, 2-13 to 2-14
block
editing 2-11 to 2-12
defining 4-3
loading files from 2-11 to 2-12
elevation
analog stereoplotter
editing 5-110, 5-111
cross sectioning with 5-100, 5-129
when creating 4-3
installation 2-1
insertion
analytical stereoplotter
example 3-5
cross section move modes 5-129
how it works 3-4
move commands
steps 3-4 to 3-5
contour interval 5-37, 5-38
layer 4-2
control point 5-47
patterning. See patterning with blocks
user-specified point 5-47, 5-90
rotation angle 5-21, 5-112
Z elevation 5-135
rules
point sampling commands 5-98, 5-126
elevation rule 4-3
snap settings 5-46
layer rule 4-2
analytical stereoplotter installation 2-1
size rule 4-2
applications, loading automatically 2-11 to 2-13
samples list 3-4
arc3d 5-13 to 5-14
scale factor 5-112
arcs
size 3-6, 4-2
2D 5-15 to 5-16
blockrotate 5-21
3D simulation 5-13 to 5-14, 5-17 to 5-19
blockrotatelast 5-21
arx files
blockrotate(version).arx
loading automatically 2-11 to 2-13
command instructions 5-21
loading manually 2-14
ASCII output from drawing objects 5-133
autoarc2d 5-15 to 5-16
break lines. See breaklines
autoarc3d 5-17 to 5-19
breaklinefilter 5-22 to 5-23
breaklinefilter(version).arx
command instructions 5-22
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD Index-i

Index
breaklines clipit(version).arx
add to cross section project 5-127 command instructions (datclip) 5-44
as morphological data for INPHO software 6-1, 6-2 loaded by acad.rx 2-11
delete points and blocks near 5-22 loaded by Startup Suite 2-13
digitize with capt3d 3-3, 3-4, 5-30 clippoints 5-35
brush 5-24 close-range photogrammetry viewpoint 5-36
BTICKL/R blocks 5-24 closergview 5-36
building squaring color of layers 3-7
2D 5-101 to 5-103 command 2-13
3D 5-104 command reference Chapter 5
orthogonal building squaring 5-92, 5-94 compatible hardware and software 1-2
tolerance 5-113 components 1-2
z tolerance 5-113 configure AutoCAD 2-2 to 2-13
buildingframe 5-25 connect polylines
button programming 5-27 editline 5-64
buttons 5-27 joinit 5-79
contour interpolation
C breaklines 5-30
CAPTURE CONTOUR Chapter 6
capt2d interp 5-75
instructions 5-28 to 5-29 contour interval
when to use 3-4 move stereoplotter down in Z 5-37
capt3d move stereoplotter up in Z 5-38
instructions 5-30 to 5-31 rounding elevation to 3-4, 5-28
when to use 3-4 set with setup 5-114
capture(version).arx Contour(version).mnu 2-5
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 contourdown 5-37
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 contours. See elevation contours
loading at AutoCAD startup 2-14 contourup 5-38
loading methods 2-14 control points, inserting as blocks 5-84, 5-85
CAPTURE CONTOUR Chapter 6 converting drawing units 5-32
capturecontour(version).arx coordinate shift 5-115
how to run 6-2 cross sectioning with xsect 5-126 to 5-130
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 crosscheck 5-39
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 crossing polylines 5-39, 5-134
CaptureContour.cui 2-10 culvert 5-40
changescale 5-32 curb 5-41
check3d 5-33 curbfilename 5-41
check3dlast 5-33 curblast 5-41
checklineelevation 5-33 current pointing device 2-3
checklineelevationlast 5-33 cursor
checklineelevation(version).arx control with mouse or stereoplotter 3-2
command instructions 5-33 missing 3-1
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 seeing 3-1
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 customize
cleanup 5-34 blocks 4-1 to 4-3
cleanup(version).arx button definitions 4-3, 5-27
command instructions 5-34 instructions Chapter 4
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 layer scheme 4-1
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 template drawing 4-1
clipit command. See datclip
Index-ii DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Index
D E
datclip 2-11, 2-13, 5-44 edbox 5-63
datem.com website A-1 edge ties 3-8
DAT/EM contact information Appendix A edit box tool 5-63
Datem(version).cui 2-9 editing
Datem(version).mnu 2-4 command list 5-4
datemrotate 5-45 general information 3-8
datemsnap 5-46 editline 5-64 to 5-66
datmove 5-47 elevation
datpan 5-48 contours
default drawing 4-1, 4-3 digitizing 5-28 to 5-29
DEM (Digital Elevation Model). See DTM interpolation
dep 5-49 CAPTURE CONTOUR Chapter 6
depression 5-50 interp 5-75
depression tick blocks 5-49, 5-50 use capt2d to digitize 3-4, 5-28 to 5-29
digital stereoplotter editing Z in polyline 5-64, 5-110
cross section move modes 5-129 find Z range of lines/polylines 5-33
move commands labels 5-80 to 5-83, 5-119
contour interval 5-37, 5-38 rounding 5-28 to 5-29
control point 5-47 English units
user-specified point 5-47, 5-90 convert to metric units 5-32
Z elevation 5-135 map scale 5-112
point sampling commands 5-98, 5-126 export to a file with xyzout 5-133
snap settings 5-46
digital terrain modeling. See DTM F
digitizing switch programming 5-27
distribute DTM points 5-52 fence 5-67
DTM (Digital Terrain Modeling) fence and wall blocks 5-125
breaklinefilter 5-22 to 5-23 fence ticks 5-67, 5-125
combine point sets into one set 5-52 FENCTICK block 5-67, 5-125
digitizing method 5-31, 5-57, 5-98 foot pedals switch settings 5-27
dtmdistributor 5-52
dtmit 5-57 to 5-62 G
edit points 5-55 GeoToolBox 6-1
MATCH-T 6-2 geotoolbox.com website 6-1
points and blocks next to breaklines 5-22 grade of slope 5-86
profiledtm 5-98 to 5-100 grail 5-68
dtmdistributor 5-52 grid ticks and lines 5-69
dtmdistributor(version).arx gridit 5-69
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 ground control file 5-84, 5-85
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 GTICKR/L block 5-68
dtmeditor 5-55 to 5-56 guard rail 5-68
dtmeditor(version).arx guiders for labelit 5-81
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 gutters 5-41
dtmit 5-57 to 5-62
dtmit(version).arx
command instructions 5-57 to 5-62
dview twist AutoCAD command 5-45
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD Index-iii

Index
I MapEditor(version).arx
import loaded by acad.rx 2-11
file using xyzin 5-131 loaded by Startup Suite 2-13
MATCH-T file using matchxyz 6-2 Maped(version).mnu 2-5
incompatible hardware and software 1-2 MATCH-T
INPHO GmbH 6-1 export morphological .wnp file 5-89, 6-1
input. See import import .xyz file 6-2, 6-4
ins 5-72, 5-73 Measure(version).arx 2-11, 2-13
insert symbol function 5-72, 5-73 measure(version).arx 5-25, 5-86, 5-88
inssetup 5-72, 5-73 measureheight 5-88
installation Chapter 2 menu
interp 5-75 pull-down menus
interpolate contours Contour 2-5, 2-10, 6-1
CAPTURE CONTOUR Chapter 6 Datem 2-4 to 2-7, 2-8 to 2-10
interp 5-75 DatemLite 2-4 to 2-7, 2-8 to 2-10
intersecting polylines Map/Editor 2-5, 2-10
finding and marking with zcheck 5-134 toolbar menus
finding with crosscheck 5-39 AutoCAD 2005 and previous 2-7
AutoCAD 2006 and higher 2-8 to 2-10
metric units
J convert to English units 5-32
join map scale 5-112
drawing edge ties 3-8 mode
polylines 5-64, 5-79 one-shot for inserting blocks
roof levels 5-113 instructions ?? to 3-5
joinit 5-79 obsolete version 5-116
when to use 3-5
L stream
capt2d 3-4
labelit 5-80 to 5-83 capt3d 3-4
layers 3-7 two-shot for inserting blocks
lc 5-84 instructions ?? to 3-5
lcf 5-85 obsolete version 5-116
lineslope 5-86 when to use 3-6
list improved by autolist(version).arx 5-20 morphexporter 5-89
Load Applications Startup Suite 2-12 to 2-13 morphexporter(version).arx
load control command instructions 5-89
from file with lcf 5-85 loaded by acad.rx 2-13
with lc 5-84 move
loading applications automatically 2-11 to 2-13 down one contour interval 5-37
lpat 5-87 to elevation 5-135
to picked point 5-90
M up one contour interval 5-38
map grids 5-69 movebypick 5-90
map scale setting 5-112
MAP/EDITOR
filter uses 5-29, 5-31
menu configuration
AutoCAD 2005 and previous 2-5
AutoCAD 2006 and higher 2-10
used to edit 3-8
MapEditor.cui 2-10
Index-iv DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Index
O polylines
offset polylines connecting with joinit 5-79
3doffset command 5-11 crossing 5-39, 5-134
3doffsetmeasure command 5-12 digitizing uses 3-3
road command 5-107 edit vertex Z 5-64
one-shot mode for inserting blocks 3-4 to ??, 3-5, ?? to 3-5 editing 5-64
open a closed polyline 5-91 intersections, finding 5-39, 5-134
openup 5-91 join 5-64
opsqr2d 5-92 join 2D and 3D 5-65
opsqr3d offsetting 5-11, 5-12
instructions 5-94 opening 5-91
tolerances 5-113 patterning with blocks
orient 5-97 brush 5-24
orient_only 5-97 depression ticks
origin shift 5-115 automatic 5-50
output interactive 5-49
plotting 3-8 fence 5-67
to ASCII file with xyzout 5-133 fence with wall 5-125
to MATCH-T .wnp file 5-89 guard rail 5-68
railroad ties 5-108, 5-109
slope ticks 5-118
P user-specified block 5-87
pan view 5-48 wall with fence 5-125
patterning with blocks replace sections 5-64
any block 5-87 reverse vertex order 5-106
brush 5-24 profiledtm 5-98 to 5-100
depression programming buttons and switches 5-27
automatic 5-50 psqr
interactive 5-49 instructions 5-101 to 5-103
fence 5-67 tolerances 5-113
fence with wall 5-125 psqr3d
guard rail 5-68 instructions 5-104
lpat 5-87 tolerances 5-113
planimetric setting 5-87
railroad ties 5-108 R
slope ticks 5-118
railroad
wall with fence 5-125
double line 5-108
percent grade of slope 5-86
single line 5-109
planimetric patterning setting 5-87
ratio scale 5-112
plotting 3-8
reference files as tie edges 3-8
plotting scale 5-112
reinit AutoCAD command 5-97
point elevation 5-110, 5-111
reverse 5-106
pointing device, current 2-3
reverse vertex order 5-106
road 5-107
road curbs and gutters 5-41, 5-107
rotate blocks 5-21
rr 5-108
rr100 5-109
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD Index-v

Index
S T
screen rotation technical support Appendix A
remove 5-124 template drawing file 4-1, 4-3
rotate to model 5-45 text scale factor 3-6, 5-112
setblockz 5-111 three-dimensional
setobjectz 5-110 3D polylines. See polylines 3-4
setpointblockz 5-111 digitizer 3-1
setpointz 5-111 offsets 5-11, 5-12, 5-41
setup 5-112 to 5-114 simulated arcs 5-13 to 5-14, 5-17 to 5-19
shift 5-115 ticks
shiftZ option of editline 5-64 brush 5-24
SHOT 5-116 depression
shot 5-116 automatic 5-50
si commands 5-117 interactive 5-49
si(version).arx 2-14 fence 5-67
loaded by acad.rx 2-11 fence with wall 5-125
loaded by Startup Suite 2-13 guard rail 5-68
simulated arc for 3D polylines 5-66 pattern with any block 5-87
slope 5-118 railroad tie blocks 5-108, 5-109
slope grade 5-86 slope blocks 5-118
SLOPE_TICKR/L block 5-118 wall with fence 5-125
slopetick 5-118 tie edges 3-8
software updates from DAT/EM support A-1 tinpolygons. See buildingframe
spline toolbar menus
angle 5-114 AutoCAD 2005 and previous 2-7
maximum XY distance 5-114 AutoCAD 2006 and higher 2-8 to 2-10
Z distance 5-114 transparent view pan 5-48
spot elevations 5-119 two-dimensional
spotx 5-119 2D polylines. See polylines
spotxset 5-119 arcs 5-15 to 5-16
square 5-121 digitizer mouse 3-1
squaring existing objects 5-121 two-shot mode for inserting blocks 3-5, 3-6
stairs 5-122 to 5-123
Startup Suite for Load Applications 2-12 to 2-13 U
stream mode digitizing 3-4, 5-30
street curbs and gutters 5-41, 5-107 units
SUPER/IMPOSITION commands 5-117 converting drawing 5-32
support contact information Appendix A English 5-112
switch programming 5-27 metric 5-112
symbol unrotatescreen 5-124
example list 3-4 updates from DAT/EM support A-1
factor 3-6
insertion 5-116 V
insertion example 3-5 versions of software 1-2
See also block vertex order, reversing 5-106
view
pan 5-48
rotation
angle of model 5-45
removing 5-124
Index-vi DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Index
W
wall and fence blocks 5-125
WALL_TICKR/L blocks 5-125
wallfence 5-125
websites
www.datem.com A-1
www.geotoolbox.com 6-1
Wintab Compatible Digitizer 2-3
wnp file for MATCH-T 5-89
www.datem.com A-1
www.geotoolbox.com 6-1
X
X and Y coordinates
moving to 5-46, 5-90
of control points 5-84, 5-85
snapping to 5-46
xref for edge ties 3-8
xsect 5-126 to 5-130
xy file 5-99
xyzin 5-131
xyzout 5-133
Z
Z coordinate
editing Z in polyline 5-64, 5-110
moving to 5-46, 5-135
snapping to 5-46
Z range of lines/polylines 5-33
zcheck 5-134
zmove 5-135
DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD Index-vii

DATEM Capture For AutoCAD

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Title Page

Stereoplotter Interface and Mapping Tools

For Use with AutoCAD®

Copyright © DAT/EM Systems International 2010

Last Document Edit Date: September 21, 2010

Copyright © DAT/EM SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL 2010

For questions concerning this document, contact:

DAT/EM SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL

All Rights Reserved

• AIRFIELD3D • DAT/EM TOUCHPAD • SUPER/IMPOSITION

DAT/EM Systems International License Agreement

DAT/EM Software License

List of Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . List of Changes-1

Chapter 1. Introduction to DAT/EM CAPTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Chapter 2. Install DAT/EM CAPTURE and Configure AutoCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Chapter 3. Day-to-Day Use of DAT/EM CAPTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Chapter 4. Customizing The System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD Contents-1

Chapter 5. DAT/EM CAPTURE Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Contents-2 DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Chapter 6. CAPTURE CONTOUR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Chapter 7. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Appendix A. DAT/EM Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD Contents-3

Version Page(s) Description

6.0. 5-25 BuildingFrame has a new option to create either triangular or

4.5. 5-22 Blocks were added as objects that Breaklinefilter processes.

4.4. 5-91 OpenUp is a new command that opens previously closed

4.4. 5-110 SetObjectZ is a new command to change the elevation of an

DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD List of Changes-1

About DAT/EM CAPTURE

All data collected with DAT/EM CAPTURE is fully three dimensional.

• Low cost for a complete stand-alone stereoplotter workstation

• Greatly reduced learning curve for system operators

• Regularly scheduled software updates

• Real-time on-line graphics for data capture and editing

• Push-button ease of operation

• DAT/EM KEYPAD accessory greatly speeds multiple or repeated command entries

DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD 1-1

PLEASE DO NOT purchase a computer to be used with DAT/EM products

• DAT/EM is happy to recommend computer brands and software versions that

• DAT/EM keeps a list of incompatible hardware and software. Please let us

or, contact DAT/EM Support: support@datem.com

1-2 DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Hardware and Software Installation

Type of Stereoplotter Installation Information

Analog stereoplotter Please use the following instructions:

Analytical stereoplotter Please use the following installation instructions:

DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD 2-1

Configure AutoCAD to Run DAT/EM CAPTURE

AutoCAD Configuration Checklist

1. Configure AutoCAD® Tools Options (page 2-2):

2. Configure the DAT/EM pull-down menus and toolbars:

3. Review or change the method to automatically load the DAT/EM CAPTURE™

Set the Support File Search Path and Pointing Device

• Select Options from the Tools pull-down menu.

• Select the Files tab.

2-2 DAT/EM CAPTURE for use with AutoCAD

Add a line and Browse for the following two folders:

Select Apply and

Step 2) Now set the DAT/EM digitizer driver:

• Select the System tab.

• Set Digitizer and mouse on (it may be on already).