Ag Leader SMS Basic and Advanced Manual - Manual (Page 102)

SMS Basic and Advanced Manual
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If for some reason you can fix the problem by filtering out a few datasets from the 3D grid, you
can apply a more permanent filter to your data. Add a Simple Analysis Filter to your dataset(s)
that contain bad elevation data. Add this filter for the Elevation attribute and make sure to set the
MIN and MAX values for the filter to ones that best fit the real range of your data, like 800 to
1000 ft. Once you have filtered your data use the Regenerate 3D Grid feature (either on
management tree selections or via batch command) and remake your map and check the 3D
Terrain View.
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If you can't get acceptable results with of these options or you would prefer more accurate data
then you can import a DEM (Digital Elevation Model) and set this imported data as the 3D Grid.
Import your DEM data into the Management Tree. Then select the DEM dataset in the tree, click
the right mouse button and then select Set 3D Grid. Remake your map and you should now see
a new terrain view that uses the DEM dataset for the 3D grid surface. (DEM's are not useful for
mapping and are only intended for import and setting a 3D grid and not anything else.)
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Lastly, if your terrain is fairly flat (lets say around 10 ft or less of elevation change across your
field) the 3D Terrain View by default will provide little use because your map will appear
relatively flat. But there is a display option that you can set to magnify elevation changes across
your field so that you can see a more useful 3D Terrain View. Just because you don't have hilly
or sloping group does not mean that small elevation changes across your field aren't causing
crop production issues. To scale your elevation data, with your data mapped, click on the Edit
Map Options button on the Map Toolbar or go to the Edit Menu and select Map Options. Then
click on the 3D Map tab and enter a value for the Elevation (Z-Axis) Scale Factor. A scale factor
from 0.1 to 20 can be entered but we would recommend that you start with a value of between 2-
4 to test the result you get. This scale factor can also be set as a default for all new maps by
setting this same setting under General Options and 3D Map.
Using the Layer Window
The Layer Window provides you with direct control of how data is organized and viewed in a map.
The following steps show how to use the Layer Window:
1. Start the software. Select an item(s) with spatial data (any item whose name is displayed in bold text) from
the Management Tree. Create a map.
2. The Layer Window should now appear to the right of the Map Window. A button outlined or highlighted with
a color should be located at the top of the window with a text name based on the level at which the selected
data came from in the Management Tree.
3. You can now select from the available settings and properties for the type of data layer that you created.
This could include the map type such as circle or contour map, what attribute to display, transparency level
for the layer, change the map properties, edit the legend for the current attribute, etc.
4. You can also place your mouse cursor over the layer button and click the right mouse button to see a menu
of options for displaying the layer. These include the position of the layer in terms of others layers, editing
the layer name, creating a copy of the current layer, and removing the layer from the map.
5. Now you can adjust the size of the Layer window by placing you mouse cursor over the left or right edge of
the Layer window until you see your cursor change to lines with arrows on each side. Now press and hold
your left mouse button and drag the window to the size that you would like.
6. Lastly, you can undock the Layer window from its current position and re-dock it next to the Management
Tree window or let it float as its own window. To do this, place your cursor over the two horizontal bars at the
top of the Layer window. Now press and hold your left mouse button and start dragging the Layer window to
the location where you would like to place it. The Layer window will only dock with the left or right side of the
Map window, so if you want to re-dock it drag the window towards one of these sides until your mouse
cursor touches or crosses one of the sides. The Layer window should automatically snap into place and re-
dock with the Map window. You can also double click on the title bar of the Layer Window when it is
undocked to re-dock it in its default location.
How to adjust layer and attribute/property options.
Follow these steps to adjust layer and attribute/property options:
1. Create a map or add a layer to a map of a selected management item.
2. Go to the Edit Menu and select Layer Options or click on the Edit Options button in the Layer Window.
3. The Layer and Attribute/Property Options dialog will now appear. This dialog allows you to set options for the
current Layer, Sub-Layers, and the current attribute or property.
4. You now have the following options that can be set:
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Layer - Tooltips that will be displayed for each map display type, the results that will be displayed
for queries for each map type, and the labels that will be displayed and their placement.
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